Tema, Oct. 03, GNA -- A Danish Research Vessel, MV Vaedren has berthed at the Tema Port on a four-day research expedition into aquatic and marine life in the country.

This forms part of its research expedition dubbed, Galathea 3, which, between August 2006 and April 2007, will circumnavigate the globe undertaking over 60 research projects initiated by Danish and international research environment.

The 99 crew members on board are made up of 33 scientists and journalist, among others.

At its inaugural ceremony the Deputy Minister for Harbours and Railways, Mrs Sophia Horner-Sam commended the Research Team for this effort, which, she said, will be of significant benefit to the nation's educational institutions.

She expressed the hope that the research projects, which have been divided into Biology, Geology, Environment and Culture as well as history "will offer immense opportunity for us to learn and strive to meet the challenges of today."

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Legon (UGL) Prof. Clifford Nii Boye Tagoe, expressed his appreciation to the team's work and urged the team to liaise with the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries of UGL as they move on with their work.

He commended DANIDA for also helping the UGL to establish an ecological laboratory to enhance the study of interaction between soil and plants.

A Research Scientist, Jergen Bendtsen, disclosed that the expedition Ship during the period will cover all climatic regions of the world and this would provide the platform for natural science research. He outlined the aims and objectives of Galathea 3 as not only to strengthen research activities but also to reinforce the idea of modern science as being of present day relevance, and especially for future generations.