New climate role for RV Celtic Explorer

Ireland has reached a major milestone in the global fight against climate change — the RV Celtic Explorer has been officially recognised as the country’s first Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS) ocean station.

The ICOS network is a Europe-wide system of research stations that track carbon as it moves through the atmosphere, land, and oceans. The goal? To help scientists better understand and respond to climate change by providing consistent, high-quality data.

Ireland joined this international climate network in 2023 and proposed 10 national observation stations — including one at sea. Now, that ocean station has officially been confirmed: the 65.5-metre RV Celtic Explorer, operated by the Marine Institute.

Why It Matters for Our Weather and Oceans

The ocean plays a huge role in regulating our climate, soaking up about a quarter of the carbon dioxide we release into the atmosphere each year. But this “carbon sink” is starting to weaken — and that could speed up global warming. More CO₂ in the sea also means more ocean acidification, which threatens marine life and ecosystems.

That’s why it’s vital to keep a close eye on the ocean-atmosphere carbon exchange — and Ireland’s location on the edge of the Atlantic makes it a key spot for monitoring.

The RV Celtic Explorer is equipped with advanced tools to track atmospheric and surface ocean CO₂ in real time. These high-resolution measurements help scientists better understand how our changing climate is affecting both the air we breathe and the waters that surround us.

Data That Powers Climate Action

These observations don’t just sit on a shelf — they feed into major global climate assessments like the Global Carbon Budget, IPCC reports, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, helping shape policies and public awareness.

Marine Chemist Margot Cronin, who leads the research on board, described the announcement as “a proud moment” for Ireland’s climate science community. She credited the achievement to “a highly successful team effort,” with support from the Marine Institute, ICOS partners, and onboard technicians.