SON - Ship Operators Network

By bringing together expertise and resources, SON creates the conditions for a more effective, cost-efficient and future-proof marine research infrastructure.

The collaboration includes SLU, the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, the University of Gothenburg, Stockholm University, Umeå University, the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) and the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI).

The SLU Ship Management Unit coordinates SON’s activities, with the mission to maximise the value of shared resources and strengthen Sweden’s position in marine research and environmental monitoring.

The network includes six research vessels:

• R/V Svea (SLU) 
• I/B Oden (Swedish Polar Research Secretariat)
• R/V Skagerak (University of Gothenburg)
• R/V Electra af Askö (Stockholm University)
• KBV 181 (Umeå University)
• S/V Ocean Surveyor (SGU)

Genom SON skapas konkreta synergier i det dagliga arbetet. Partnerorganisationerna delar expertis, teknik, utrustning och personal, och samarbetar inom områden som drift och management, juridik, upphandling och teknisk utveckling.

Through SON, tangible synergies are created in day-to-day operations. Partner organisations share expertise, technology, equipment and personnel, and collaborate in areas such as operations and management, legal matters, procurement and technical development.

Exchange of technical staff and joint training activities strengthen both competence and technical breadth, while contributing to a more flexible and resilient operation.

Joint procurements are a key component of the collaboration, where coordinated purchasing leads to higher quality, better resource utilisation and increased cost efficiency across the Swedish research fleet.

SON also acts as a catalyst for joint development projects and innovation. A clear example is the research infrastructure network SWERVE, funded by the Swedish Research Council, which aims to further increase access to and capacity for Swedish vessel-based marine research.

Together, SON provides a strong national platform where collaboration, efficiency and development go hand in hand—enabling Sweden to meet future needs for knowledge about the oceans.