text: GEOMAR operates two open ocean research vessels: the 36-year-old RV Poseidon (1050 GT) and the 20-year-old RV Alkor (1000 GT). In 2009, both vessels were refurbished and modernised. It also operates the research cutter, RC Littorina (168 GT) and the research boat, RB Polarfuchs (16 GT). In addition it operates JAGO, a three-ton research submersible, the only manned research submersible in Germany, capable of diving to 400 metres, as well as a remotely operated underwater vehicle, ROV KIEL 6000 capable of diving to 6,000 metres, an autonomous underwater vehicle, AUV ABYSS, and a video-controlled hydraulic grab, TV-Grab. At the end of 2010, the institute  took possession of ROV PHOCA, a new 1.5 ton ROV with an operational working depth of 3000 metres.