FerryBox-a new system for automatic measurement of biological-chemical parameters from ferry boats

A new operational tool which uses ferryboats as carrier system for automated monitoring equipment has been developed. Such systems can be operated with much less costs than automatic buoys and have better performance with regard to biofouling. Currently the systems are tested in an EU project in which eight ferry routes are used for a comparison of different European "FerryBoxes". The "German FerryBox" presented here consists of a fully automated flow-through system with sensors and automatic analysers for the measurement of oceanographic and chemical parameters, among which are nutrients and algal properties. It provides the possibility of automatic cleaning cycles and position-controlled sampling (GPS). Data can be transferred to shore and the system can be remotely operated via mobile phone. The system has been installed on the ferry Cuxhaven (DE) - Harwich (UK) and is in operation since November 2001. Results from first year experience demonstrate the function and applicability of the ferry system.