Measuring Methane Flux on a Remote Coastal Skerry

Geert Hensgens, a researcher at UNIS, approached Kolibri Geo Services with a clear challenge and a tight deadline. He had advanced, high-value instruments for measuring methane flux—but no structure to mount them on, and no time to wait for a prefabricated solution.

After a short consultation to understand the project’s goals and constraints, we proposed to design and build a mobile mast that could support the instruments in a difficult-to-access location. The site—a small skerry in front of a tidewater glacier on the west coast of Spitsbergen—posed multiple challenges, including uneven terrain, potential wildlife encounters, environmental sensitivity, and avalanche risk during access.

Working with limited materials and a tight timeframe, Kolibri designed and built the tower in just a few days. The structure was designed with stability, low environmental impact, and minimal weight in mind, and included features that allowed for safe transport and quick assembly in the field.

We were later contracted to lead the field deployment. The journey to the site required experienced route planning, avalanche awareness, and confident off-road driving. Once in place, the tower was successfully erected and the instruments were safely installed, allowing the research team to begin their data collection on schedule.

This project highlights Kolibri’s ability to quickly translate scientific needs into real-world infrastructure—especially when the environment is remote, risky, or unpredictable.