Press Release
BIOS’ new research vessel comes home
Category: ScienceBIOS
Hamilton, Bermuda: Friday, November 03, 2006 -
The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences' research vessel the R/V Bank of Bermuda Atlantic Explorer settles in her new home alongside the dock facility in Ferry Reach.
Returning from a sampling transect in Puerto Rico on a beautiful, calm and quiet afternoon, the R/V Bank of Bermuda Atlantic Explorer made her way through Ferry Reach to dock alongside the Bermuda Insitute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) yesterday. The 168-ft intermediate class University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) vessel was christened and put to work earlier this year by BIOS ship operations and after some time and a modification to our dock, she has come home to berth alongside the institute, with staff, faculty and students welcoming her in.
Relief Captain, Mike Schoeller, explains: "It's all in the wrists" and that it's a "fairly straightforward transit and docking maneuver to bring her in".
Already the R/V Bank of Bermuda Atlantic Explorer has seen a busy schedule, supporting our scientists in a variety of research and in various locations throughout the Atlantic Ocean. It has also been a magnet from scientific explorers from around the world, who have journeyed to Bermuda to utlilize one of the most advanced ocean-going vessels in the UNOLS fleet.
BIOS President, Dr Tony Knap, joined the complement of crew and guests as the vessel made its way through Ferry Reach. He said: "It's an extraordinary day for BIOS. A new ship and a world-class docking facility allow us to enter a new erea in ocean science research. We thank all who helped to make this a reality."
The addition of the R/V Bank of Bermuda Atlantic Explorer has been a catalyst in a new era of greatly expanded oceanographic research and educational opportunities at BIOS. Replacing the R/V Weatherbird II with a new ship has allowed for greatly improved seaworthiness and and our ability to conduct scientific operations in higher sea-state conditions in the winter months and is significantly more comfortable on longer journeys.
Expanded deck space allows the ability to carry more delicate equipment and instruments. It also holds the necessary space for semi-permanent equipment installations to support our time-series research.
A major contribution to BIOS is the new educational capabillity made possible by the R/V Bank of Bermuda Atlantic Explorer. The large lab spaces and at-sea classroom area can easily accommodate groups of five to 20 for teaching and technical training. A berthing capacity of 22 scientists allows more students to participate in overnight and longer cruises.
The BIOS faculty is currently developing new programmes to fully exploit these numerous at-sea educational opportunities.
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