The properties of the polar oceans are currently subjects of intense scientific and environmental debate since they underlie rapid and dramatic changes. News about the shrinking of the Arctic sea-ice cover, potentially leading to an opening of sea passages to the north of North America and Eurasia, and of the calving of giant table icebergs from the of Antarctic shelves are examples of these modern changes. Research in the polar regions can only be carried out by dedicated research vessels. Modern research vessels that are capable of penetrating into the central Arctic are rare. A new state of the art research icebreaker is therefore urgently required to fulfill the needs of international polar research. The AURORA BOREALIS will be an novel research icebreaker with drilling capability that will serve as the base for long, international and interdisciplinary year-round expeditions to the central Arctic Ocean.