Logistics

Kings Bay is the main provider of logistical services in Ny-Ålesund, however both your host institution and NPI will be able to provide some additional logistical support. Reservation of larger equipment (boats, snowmobiles, etc.) and other key items (chemicals, rifles, etc.) should be made as part of your RiS booking. Acceptance of your RiS booking to Ny-Ålesund may be dependent on the availability of major equipment needs.

Overview of logistics and services offered

• Renting of snowmobiles and sleds (KB)
• Renting of field equipment (NPI and KB)
• Boat with driver, MS Teisten (KB)
• Boat with driver, Polarcirkel (NPI)
• Chemicals and gases (KB)
• Renting of rifle and flare gun (KB)
• Car rental (KB)
• Storage; cold, heated and freezers (KB)
• Office space (KB). The host institution normally have this for rent/loan for own researchers.
• Polar bear and weapons safety course (KB)
• Assistance in the field (NPI)
• Engineer capacity (help with instruments, NPI)

For a detailed overview of KB equipment, services and prices, see KB Pricelist 2025.

Some additional equipment such as clothing and safety gear can be rented from NPI Sverdrup (see Varekatalogen (PDF). To rent, email materialforvalter@npolar.no when booking in RiS.

Please note that procedures for providing logistics and sercives may vary between host institutions, so be sure to check with your host institution as early as possible.

Other logistical services available

• Mail and cargo services (KB)
• Transport services (KB)
• PC laboratory (KB)
• Library (KB and NPI)

Kings Bay logistics and services

Kings Bay can provide assistance with technical issues and purchases.

Should you require any such assistance please contact Kings Bay research advisor at research@kingsbay.no  well in advance of your field visit. 

If you need work done, help with logistics or purchases, you need to fill in a quote form. Kings Bay will then send you a quote, and when this is accepted, Kings Bay will provide the requested service. Kings Bay also offers help and support with sampling or extra help if needed.

Rifle and flare gun

Rifle and flare gun with ammunition for polar bear protection can be rented from Kings Bay. In order to be allowed to rent a weapon, you must have a permit, and you should submit an application for such a permit well in advance of your arrival in Ny-Ålesund. Please see detailed information here.

Kings Bay also offers a polar bear safety course for everyone going out in the field. You must pass this course (or similar cours from UNIS) in order to be able to rent a firearm from Kings Bay. The certificate issued upon passing the mandatory test – the final step of the course – is valid for three years. NPI will rent rifle and flare gun to personnel working on NPI research projects. Familiarise yourself with the formal process here. 

Workshops available for researchers

Most of the research institutions in Ny-Ålesund have workshops available for visiting scientists. Please check with your host institution for availability.