HEINCKE operated by the Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, is a medium size multipurpose research vessel, which was designed for long-term cruises throughout the North Atlantic Sea up to Svalbard and the adjacent shelf seas. She offers work places and accommodation for 12 scientists and 12 crew members. The operating range of this low noise ship is about 7500 nautical miles (= 30 passage days). Four laboratories (wet, dry, constant temperature controlled and hydroacoustic/CTD) offer almost vibration-free work places. Additionally space is available for special containers. The ship is equipped with several winch systems, cranes, and sonar systems, which allow a wide range of biological, chemical, oceanographic, geological and geophysical research applications. The onboard science support equipment allows working in water depths of up to approximately 2000 meters.