The department is also responsible for the Institute's reserach vessel, "Lance".

In Svalbard, the technical unit includes staff in Longyearbyen and Ny-Ålesund. They equip and assist national and international field parties who conduct research in the archipelago. The unit also organizes courses related to field acitvity, such as behaviour/search and rescue, weapon handling, use of snowmobiles and boats, and radio communication.

Another important task is purchase and maintenance of fielt equipment, plus technical assistance in the field.