Conceptual Design of a Medium-Endurance Research Vessel Optimized for Mission Flexibility and Seakeeping

Abstract

This paper reports on a study to define a large, medium-endurance general-purpose oceangoing ship that can carry out an effective research program in any of the five disciplines (biological, chemical, geological, geophysical, and physical) that characterize modern oceanography. The general requirements specify a vessel of the same size, but of greater capability, than the present large vessels in the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System fleet, carrying a team of about 25 researchers to most areas of the world's ocean in reasonable comfort and providing a platform that will allow more overside and laboratory work in higher sea states than is now possible. Other general requirements discussed herein include flexibility, low noise and vibration levels, and economy. The latter point requires that the emphasis on increased capability does not obscure the need to develop vessels that are economical to construct and operate.