Laboratories
For availability, please contact laboratories@kingsbay.no. Please note that all bookings are made through RiS.
The Marine Laboratory
The Marine Laboratory was officially opened 1st of June 2005. At its location on the beach, close to the harbour it stands as the northernmost experimental laboratory for research in marine ecology , physiology, biochemistry, as well as physical sciences like oceanography, marine geology and ice physics.
Uniqe to the other laboratory facilities, seawater from an inlet approximately 70 meter depth, 900 meters off shore is pumped into the building. The water is filtered and UV treated and can be dispersed into experimental tanks of different size for experimental field work setups. Allowing more comfortable working environments.
The marine laboratory also have smaller rooms were system-controlled experimental variables like air temperature and seawater temperature can be set and monitored.
In addition the marine laboratory is equipped with laboratory space for different purposes. With fume hoods for safe handling of and work with chemicals, microscopes, drying cabinets, MilliQ water, bio safety cabinet and other general laboratory equipment. Find the full list of equipment and instruments and their availability here.
The laboratory space, experimental room and equipment are rented out on commercial basis. It is open to all researchers on the same premises.
Research Vessel Teisten
RV Teisten is 10.3 m long and equipped to do smaller scientific operations, transportation and survey in Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden. It is equipped with a crane with approximately 450 m winch. Navigation and safety equipment is available on board. RV Teisten can be operated all year if weather conditions, visibility and ice conditions allows it. It is always the Skipper’s decicion whether Teisten can be operated or not. Kings Bay AS thakes no responsibility for cancellations due to unfavorable weather or sea conditions.
The vessel, including Skipper, fuel and sampling equipment can be rented by all scientists on hour basis through the Research in Svalbard portal (RiS). The Teisten booking form must be filled out and submitted to teisten@kingsbay.no, before the booking in RiS can be approved.
The Teisten booking form (2026).
During winter operations some restictions apply. You will find the restrictions here.
The Terresterial Laboratory
The Terrestrial Laboratory also known as Veksthuset in Norwegian is our newest addition to the shared reasearch infrastructure. Opened in 2020 the Terrestrial Laboratory consists of new and open facilities located in the centre of Ny-Ålesund.
It consists on one big and open dry lab equipped with a fume hood for safe handling and work with chemicals, a drying oven, a muffle furnace, a small -80 freezer and general laboratory equipments.
In addition, there is one smaller Semi-Wet lab equipped with MilliQ water, freezer and cooler and a laminar flow hood for clean work. Chemicals are prohibited in the Semi-Wet lab, and it is especially suitable for sensitive work were absence of heavy metals are required.
In addition the Terrestrial Laboratories have a selection of different microscopes and a freeze dryer. Find the full list of equipment and instruments and their availability here.
The laboratory space with equipment are rented out on commercial basis . It is open to all researchers on the same premises.
For 2026 the Terrestrial Laboratory is free of charge for all projects belonging to the terrestrial or glaciological flagships.
Terms & Conditions
CHEMICAL & GAS ORDER
Chemical Orders
All chemical orders need to be placed well in advance of planned use. Kings Bay cannot guarantee that chemicals will arrive on time and is not held responsible for items lost or delayed during shipment. Please use this form to specify your chemical and gas order.
You will find a more detailed description of the ordering process and related questions as e.g. substitution in the document “02 Working with hazardous substances guidelines and regulations for the work with chemicals, gases, and radioactive isotopes”.
Gas Orders
Except for medical oxygen, all gas will be shipped by boat. Boat shipments arrive approximately at least every 8–10 weeks. Therefore, please plan accordingly and place orders early. Usually an order should be placed at the latest two weeks before the boat, M/S Norbjørn, leaves Tromsø. Please be aware, that gas bottles will be subject to a daily rent.
Like for chemicals, the gas order is placed through RiS. We need the following information:
- Type of gas
- Type of connection (e.g. click-on or industrial)
- Type of regulator needed (in case you do not bring your own regulator)
- Amount, e.g. 4 x 5 l
- Type of bottle (in case you have preferences)
Examples: Balloon Helium 200 bar, 4 x 50 l OR Propane, Household, Steel, 11 kg
Ny-Ålesund Research Station
Detailed information about the research activities in Ny-Ålesund, about how to plan and execute a research project here, and a comprehensive description of the research infrastructure available to researchers is provided on the web site for Ny-Ålesund Research Station.