Research and Training Vessel News Roundup | May 25 – US survey boat plus Danish and Chinese ocean exploration ships

The US Army Corps of Engineers acquires a new survey workboat as a Chinese ocean research ship touches water for the first time. An American shipyard has been selected to upgrade an existing science vessel. Finally, development will soon begin on a planned ice-capable environmental monitoring and fish stock assessment in the waters off Denmark.

New survey workboat delivered to US Army Corps of Engineers

Alabama-based Silver Ships recently delivered a new custom-built 26-foot (7.92-metre) workboat to the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Named Miss Agnes, the newbuild will be used primarily for hydrographic surveys of some portions of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.

The centre console boat is powered by two Mercury 200hp (149kW) outboards and also features a double-jack plate that can control both engines simultaneously when they are raised or lowered into the water. Also fitted are multi-beam and single beam echosounders and a survey station with three monitors.

The pilothouse has an AC unit powered by a separate generator.

Danish consortium to begin design work on future research ship

Dansk Dana Konsortium (DDK), a consortium of Danish companies Knud E. Hansen and Odense Maritime Technology, will soon begin design work on a multidisciplinary research vessel that will be operated by the Danish National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua).

The 68-metre Dana V is scheduled to enter service in 2027. It will replace the earlier research vessel Dana IV, which has been operating since 1981.

Dana V will be designed for operations in icy waters in both the Baltic and Arctic Seas. The vessel will be classed to Polar Code B, PC 6 as well as comply with high standards for low level underwater noise during scientific operations.

The vessel will be equipped to perform fish stock monitoring, hydro-acoustic surveys, and biological, chemical and physical oceanography. Additionally, the vessel will be used for ice edge research, geological research, seismic surveys, microbiology, bathymetric surveys, and meteorology observation of sea birds and mammals.

Deck space will also be available for buoys, anchors, and unmanned vehicles.

NOAA research ship slated for refit

Bollinger Shipyards has been selected to perform the overhaul of the 1996-built NOAAS Ronald H. Brown, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) largest research ship, to extend its service life by 15 years.

The refit will be performed at Bollinger Mississippi Repair in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The vessel’s propulsion system will be replaced with new, more environmentally friendly diesel generators. Works will also include renewal of the bow thruster and propulsion motors, switchboards, control systems, and alarms.

Additional ship systems that are scheduled to be upgraded include the potable water plants, the sewage plant, the uncontaminated seawater sampling system, HVAC systems, tank level indicators, navigational components, overhead lighting, and ballast and exterior fuel tank vents.

Bollinger will replace much of the ship’s piping, along with steel as identified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

Work is scheduled to be completed by summer 2024.

New Chinese ocean research vessel floated out

Chinese builder the Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group has floated out a new research vessel for operation by the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources.

Following delivery, Xiangyanghong 05 will be deployed in the South China Sea where it will perform oceanographic surveys, environmental monitoring, geological exploration, and other research activities.

The completed vessel will have a length of 84.5 metres, a beam of 16.4 metres, and a design speed of 13 knots. Design work is in compliance with China Classification Society rules.