Field experiments are an important part of the R&D program as they are crucial for the final testing and verification of solutions developed during the R&D program.
There are three levels of eperiments described in this JIP;
Laboratory experiments - experiments that allows repeated tests under controlled conditions at reasonable costs pr test (lab and flume testing in laboratories).
Small scale field tests - performed outdoor at SINTEF research station on Svalbard, under Arctic conditions, but still fairly controlled conditions alowing a number of repeated experiments to be carried out
Offshore field tests - full scale tests required to collect real size, realistic final tests of equipment and solutions. Was performed outside Svalbard in 2008 and is also planned for 2009.