On August 16, the Swedish icebreaker Oden arrived at the North Pole for the tenth time. The first visit was made in 1991 when Oden was the first non-nuclear-powered ship to reach the North Pole together with the German research icebreaker Polarstern.
The visit to the North Pole takes place within the research expedition Synoptic Arctic Survey, which started on 25 July. During the expedition, the researchers investigate the marine ecosystem between Greenland and the North Pole with an ambitious sampling program for hydrographic, chemical and biological parameters.
Before Oden goes on to the next station, an ice reconnaissance is often done with the helicopter. Investigating and documenting the ice conditions in front of Oden is a very important tool for finding the easiest and easiest way through the ice. It saves both ship fuel and time.
The helicopter flies up to 20 nautical miles in front of the ship and the track for the helicopter's transponder (AIS) can then be followed in Odin's radar facility. At the same time, an experienced helmsman or captain sketches what the ice looks like along the road, the size and position of the flakes, open water surfaces and, for example, fields of crushed ice.
Together with the AIS track and the sketches, the helmsman can then choose the best route, even if the ice drift can obviously change the conditions. On days when ice reconnaissance cannot be carried out, for example due to poor visibility conditions, Odin's average speed often decreases.