NOAA awards $95m contract for research vessel Oscar Dyson refit

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded a $95.4 million contract to JAG Alaska of Seward, Alaska, for major upgrades and maintenance on the NOAA ship Oscar Dyson.

The research vessel, which was commissioned in 2005, is scheduled to enter a yearlong maintenance period following its 2026 field season. NOAA anticipates the ship will be available again for the 2028 season.

The work includes replacing the propulsion system with EPA Tier 4 generators, upgrading radars and other technology, and increasing the number of single-person staterooms.

“These upgrades will help the ship continue to meet the needs of the nation in primarily Alaskan and Arctic waters well into the future,” said NOAA Corps Rear Admiral Chad Cary. “Modernizing the shipboard technology will improve the Dyson’s fuel efficiency and operational safety.”

During the refit, another vessel, the NOAA Ship Bell M. Shimada, will be outfitted to continue data collection work in Alaska.

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski said the project will allow for the collection of accurate data to inform the state's fisheries.

The Oscar Dyson, homeported in Kodiak, plays a major role in collecting data used to manage the Alaska pollock fishery, the agency said.