Earth Sciences: Oceanography: Products and Services: Vessel Services

Provides vessels and equipment for hydrographic surveys throughout the West Coast and Southeast Alaska.

NERC Research Ship Unit provides a professional ship management service to the Natural Environment Research Council. It operates two general purpose oceanographic research vessels - RRS Charles Darwin and RRS Discovery. These vessels are equipped specifically for deep sea oceanographic research and study and are UK registered Class VII cargo vessels.

Ifremer is in charge of developing and managing the greater part of the French civilian research fleet. Ifremer's fleet serves the scientific community and its main activity is devoted to scientific research. Excluding chartered periods, time spent perfecting the facilities, transit times between cruises and periodic technical calls, 1500 days per year are available for strictly scientific activities of the fleet.

The oceanographic research ship Belgica belongs to the Belgian State and is managed by MUMM, which is also responsible for planning and organising scientific campaigns at sea. The Belgian navy provides the crew and takes care of the operational aspects as well as the moorage in Zeebrugge, the Belgica's home port.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates a wide assortment of hydrographic survey, oceanographic research, and fisheries research vessels. These vessels are operated by the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. The ship's officers and crew provide mission support and assistance to embarked scientists from various NOAA laboratories as well as the wider academic community.

The Celtic Voyager is owned and operated by the Irish Marine Institute as a national facility for marine research and operates in the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and the West coast. The Marine Institute is currently designing a new 65m research vessel with delivery expected in 2002.

Operates two research vessels. The 55 metre oceanographic research vessel Franklin is operated as a national facility and is available to all scientists on the basis of competitive proposals. The larger Southern Surveyor has the capacity to carry out a wide variety of marine research activities and operates throughout Australian waters and is available for commercial charter.

Offers vessel maintenance and repair services and charters M/V Eomaia for marine research charters.