R/V Sikuliaq
The 3,800-ton Alaska Region Research Vessel (ARRV) R/V Sikuliaq was launched on Oct. 13, 2012, at Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wis. Sikuliaq (pronounced see-KOO-lee-ack) will be operated by the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences for the National Science Foundation as part of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) fleet. The 261-foot global class ice-capable research vessel R/V Sikuliaq was designed by Glosten Associates. "R/V Sikuliaq is one of the most advanced research vessels in the world," said NSF Director Subra Suresh.
NSF Launch Arctic Research Vessel
The National Science Foundation (NSF) announce launch of 'R/V Sikuliaq', a 'next-generation' global class research vessel. The NSC new-building project was in cooperation with the Marinette Marine Corporation (MMC) and the University of Alaska, Fairbanks (UAF). MMC is the Wisconsin shipyard that built the ship with funding provided by NSF through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. UAF's School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences will operate the ship as part of the U.S. academic research fleet.
Keel-laying for R/V Sikuliaq
The University of Alaska Fairbanks and Marinette Marine Corporation held a keel-laying ceremony in April for the R/V Sikuliaq at Marinette Marine Corporation in Marinette, Wis. The 261-ft oceanographic research ship, formerly known as the Alaska Region Research Vessel, will be owned by the National Science Foundation and operated by UAF. The launch of the ship is scheduled for mid-2012 and the ship will be ready for full science operations in 2014. The Sikuliaq will be headquartered at the UAF Seward Marine Center in Seward, Alaska.
UAF Arctic Research Vessel to be Built
More than three decades ago, marine scientists in the United States first identified the need for a research vessel capable of bringing scientists to Alaska’s icy northern waters. The University of Alaska Fairbanks has announced its intent to award a $123m contract that will meet that need. The university has selected Marinette Marine Corporation of Marinette, Wis. to build the 254-ft Alaska Region Research Vessel. When complete, the vessel will be one of the most advanced university research vessels in the world and will be capable of breaking ice up to 2.5 feet thick.
