Ocean Class Research Vessel Update Project

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Table of Contents

Project Background and Task Statement

Federal agencies were urged by the Academic Fleet Review (Schmitt et al., 1999; conducted for the National Science Foundation and approved by the National Science Board in May 1999) to begin the process of long-range planning for the renewal of the fleet. As a result of this report, the Federal agencies, through the Federal Oceanographic Facilities Committee (FOFC), and with input from the academic community (via UNOLS), produced a plan entitled "Charting the Future for the National Academic Research Fleet." Over the next 20 years, the Plan calls for a fleet that is more capable than at present, but fewer in number. In the Plan, four classes of ships (Global, Ocean, Regional and Local) were used to describe the future fleet. The "Ocean Class ships will fulfill a critical need in fleet modernization, by replacing the aging "Intermediate" ships with vessels of increased endurance, technological capability, and number of science berths. These will be ocean-going vessels, though not globally ranging."

The FOFC Ocean Class ship characteristics stated are:

Length: 55-70 meters
Endurance: 40 days
Range: 20, 000 km
Science Berths: 20-25

Using the FOFC characteristics as guidance, a community workshop was held in July 2002 to draft Science Mission Requirements (SMRs) for the Ocean Class. This was the first step in planning for the acquistion of the Ocean Class ships. A Steering Committee was formed to initiate the design/ construction process for Ocean Class vessels.  The Steering Committee Members included. This committee assisted in the development of the SMRs and in the initial studies.

Committee Membership

  • Dave Hebert, Chair (URI)
  • James Cochran (LDEO)
  • Tim Cowles (OSU)
  • Charles Flagg (BNL)
  • Rich Findley (U. Miami)
  • Gary Hitchcock (U. Miami)
  • Bob Knox (SIO)
  • Al Suchy (WHOI)

Reference Material

  1. Charting the Future for the National Academic Research Fleet

Project Updates, Meetings, and Documents

Date

Item

Link
July 2002 Workshop Ocean Class Science Mission Requirements Workshop
2002 Document Ocean Class Research Vessel Update Project: Community Input Regarding Gear Handling Over the Side, Towing, Winches, Wire and Cranes (2002)
2002 Document Ocean Class Research Vessel Update Project: Community Input Regarding Labs, Storage and Deck Area (2002)
2002 Document Ocean Class Research Vessel Update Project: Community Input Regarding Navigation and Communication (2002)
2002 Document Ocean Class Research Vessel Update Project: Community Input Regarding Other Requirements and General Comments (2002)
March 2003 Document Ocean Class Science Mission Requirements
April 2, 2004 Document Navy Ocean Class Phase II Study Program Status Review
April 27, 2004 Document Navy Ocean Class Phase II Study Program Status Review
May 20, 2004 Document Navy Ocean Class Phase II Study Program Status Review
June 10, 2004 Document Navy Ocean Class Phase II Study Program Status Review
July 7, 2004 Document Navy Ocean Class Phase II Study Program Status Review
2009 Announcement Draft Solicitation for the Ocean Class AGOR Operator Selection
July 27, 2009 Meeting Prospectives Meeting for Proposing Operators
July 2004 - March 2005) Document Ocean Class Hull Evaluation Project (final UNOLS Recommendations)
August 2007 Document Ocean Class Science Mission Requirements
October 2009 Document Table of Ocean Class Research Vessel SMR Values and Priorities
May 2010 Announcement ONR Selected the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Scripps Instution of Oceanography to operate the two newest Ocean Class Research Vessels. Follow along with their websites for more updates.