The Ship Management Unit Drops Anchor Closer to SLU’s Core Activities

Svea was purpose-built for her mission: marine research and environmental monitoring. She was constructed by SLU between 2017 and 2019 on commission from the Swedish government, taking over from the previous research vessel Argos, which had served for more than 40 years before being retired.

On board Svea are nine laboratories and advanced technology that make it possible to measure, analyse and understand the sea in real time. From the vessel, the Department of Aquatic Resources monitors fish stocks, while the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) conducts oceanographic environmental monitoring along Sweden’s entire coastline. Together, they contribute to the knowledge base that underpins Sweden’s and the EU’s fisheries and marine management.

Operating a vessel as advanced as Svea requires flexibility. When environmental funding decreases, parts of the operation need to be redirected. Svea therefore also undertakes assignments for the Swedish Maritime Administration and Svenska kraftnät (the Swedish National Grid), such as inspecting submarine cables in Swedish waters to help secure marine infrastructure.

But Svea does more than that. She puts SLU on the map as a university with a world-class marine research infrastructure. Next summer, during Almedalen Week 2026, she will dock in Visby harbour and serve as SLU’s floating platform for dialogue between research and society.

Through the Swedish Research Council project SWERVE and the EU project AQUARIUS, researchers in Sweden and across Europe can apply for ship time on Svea free of charge. AQUARIUS also opens up opportunities for Swedish researchers to access 57 other research infrastructures across Europe. SLU additionally coordinates the Ship Operators Network, where Swedish research vessels collaborate on operations, development, and shared resources.

The Ship Management Unit employs five marine instrument technicians who spend most of their working time at sea. Together with the Swedish Maritime Administration’s crew of around 25 seafarers, they are responsible for the vessel’s operation and maintenance. The unit also includes an administrative office with five staff members, based in Ulls hus, on the third floor between the Department of Urban and Rural Development and the Department of Economics.

You are warmly welcome to visit us – or explore Svea’s website to learn more!