Owned by the Institute of Oceanology at the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN), “Oceania” is the country’s only ship capable of conducting scientific missions beyond the Baltic Sea.
Scientists are warning that after 35 years of service, the ship may be scrapped and are urging the government to reconsider the decision.
The vessel has been used for various purposes, including monitoring changes in the Baltic Sea and the Arctic.
The vessel has supported oceanographic research, largely funded through international grants, including European Union sources.
However, research grants cannot be used to cover the vessel's operational and maintenance costs, which were previously funded by a government subsidy.
Now, the Science Ministry has withdrawn that support, prompting the Institute of Oceanology to appeal for the funding’s reinstatement.
"The loss of the government subsidy we have relied on for 35 years will effectively lead to the scrapping of Oceania, dealing a severe blow to Polish oceanography’s global standing", the Institute wrote on its social media.
Meanwhile, the ministry has defended its decision, citing the outcome of a recent competition for funding scientific research infrastructure.
According to officials, the decision was made based on expert evaluations.
Nevertheless, officials have pledged to urgently review the situation and consider the appeal for restoring Oceania’s funding.
Deputy Science Minister Maciej Gdula clarified that the government had not entirely cut funding for the Institute of Oceanology and assured that the ministry is actively seeking a solution to this challenging situation.
(mo)
Source: PAP