D1.6. Modalities of European PRVs' ship- time collaborations and exchanges

Part of the ARICE project (WP1) focusses on investigating the feasibility of transnational coordination of Arctic research vessel use. Arctic research is expensive and there is much to be gained from reflecting on current practises and identifying future opportunities. Earlier ARICE deliverables have examined the current status of transnational access to Polar research vessels and how the vessel fleet capacity can be utilized optimally. The focus of this deliverable is to map how an EU initiative can facilitate transnational research expeditions. The current vessel fleet is summarised, and existing national and international initiatives are highlighted as inspiration towards a new effort for optimising polar research vessel use. A path forward is suggested which involves the formalisation of a sustained European funding framework for vessel charter which would be a great benefit to European research, international collaboration and facilitate the optimal use of research vessels across Europe and motivate individual nations to maintain their research vessel infrastructure