R/V SIKULIAQ - A New Ice-capable Asset For The Future UNOLS Fleet
Abstract
The University of Alaska Fairbanks is constructing a new research vessel with a contract with Marinette Marine Corp. in Marinette, Wisconsin on behalf of the NSF for future scientific studies with an emphasis in the North Pacific Ocean and Alaskan waters. The 254 foot vessel will be capable of breaking 2.5 foot thick ice at 2 knots with an endurance of 45 days at sea and cruising at 14.2 knots. The vessel has formerly been known as the Alaska Region Research Vessel (ARRV) but has recently been named the R/V Sikuliaq (pronounced [see-KOO-lee-auk] which is an Inupiaq word meaning “new sea ice that is safe to walk on”). The R/V Sikuliaq will have a beam of 52 feet and a draft of 18.9 feet that will carry 26 scientists and a crew of 20. Berthing accommodations are a combination of single/double rooms. One stateroom and the common areas of the vessel are designed for ADA access and accommodations. The total laboratory space (main, analytical, electronics, wet, upper, and Baltic room will be 2100 square feet. The 3690 square foot working deck that is approximately 70 feet in length will accommodate 2-4 vans. The vessel design strives to have the lowest possible environmental impact, including a low underwater-radiated noise signature. The science systems are prescribed to be state-of-the-art for bottom mapping, over-the-side “hands free” gear handling, broad band communications and scientific walk-in freezer and environmental chamber.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010AGUFMOS43A1600W
- Keywords:
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- 4299 OCEANOGRAPHY: GENERAL / General or miscellaneous