Great Lakes Shipyard has been awarded a contract for the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) R/V Lake Explorer II. The research vessel was hauled out using the 770-ton capacity Marine Travelift at Great Lakes Shipyard. The repair contract that started on August 14, 2014 includes drydocking, routine repairs and maintenance, upgrades and design, fabrication and installation of a new bulbous bow. The 90-foot research vessel has been stationed in its homeport of Duluth, Minnesota since 2009, and is the newest addition to the U.S.