Helping in the search for the secrets of the deep

18 December 2025

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Two boats from Farmar were in operation when researchers collected information that could contribute to new knowledge about the environmental conditions in the sea.

Farmar Aton was used as a work platform when the measuring instruments were retrieved from the sea. Farmar Avant assisted the crane vessel in and out of the base. Drone film: André Martinsen, Innakva

The Coastal Observatory is part of the University of Agder's long-term research work to collect data on environmental conditions in the sea along the southern coast of Norway.

The observatory is anchored at a depth of around 150 metres at Ydstesteinen and consists of sensors that measure, among other things, temperature, current and salinity in the water masses.

RECENTLY BECAME All instruments were retrieved and prepared for maintenance. The collected data was downloaded at the same time.

Farmar Aton served as the main platform during the operation. The vessel is a 32-metre-long and 14-metre-wide barge with four cranes and dynamic positioning, which makes it possible to keep the vessel stable in position using its own propellers.

– WE BRING everything to our lab in Lundevågen. Once we have downloaded the data, we can see what it looks like in the sea here off Farsund, says Tove Margrethe Gabrielsen, professor at the Department of Natural Sciences at UiA.

Farmar Avant, the smallest tugboat in the fleet, assisted Farmar Aton during transfer and manoeuvring.

FARMAR'S MANAGING in Farmar, John W. Nilsen, says the assignment is a good example of how the company's vessels are used in coastal and technically demanding operations.

"Farmar Aton is built for this type of mission, where stability and accurate positioning are absolutely crucial. At the same time, Farmar Avant gives us the extra flexibility we need to carry out operations efficiently and safely," says Nilsen.

THE OBJECTIVE OF The coastal observatory aims to build long time series that can provide a better knowledge base for research, management and development of the blue industry.

"This data provides us with insight into how the coastal environment is developing over time. It is absolutely essential for making knowledge-based decisions about the use and protection of the coast," says Gabrielsen.

Farmar Aton has assisted researchers since the coastal observatory was first launched in 2024. Gabrielsen confirms that UiA plans to use the boat for future deployments and retrievals as well.