Navy, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution partner on new ship

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is partnering with the U.S. Office of Naval Research to build a new research vessel, according to a WHOI press release.

The two organizations joined for a celebratory ceremony on Aug. 17 where a piece of keel for the new ship was laid and certified, signifying the initiation of building a new vessel.

“Keel laying is a major milestone in the life of a ship, symbolizing the transition from concept to reality,” said Susan Avery, WHOI president and director. “For WHOI, it also marks the welcome continuation of our tradition of more than 80 years operating research vessels in order to take science to sea.”

The ship, named AGOR 27, will be funded by the Office of Naval Research along with a second ship, named AGOR 28, built for the Scripps Oceanographic Institute.

AGOR 27 will replace aging research vessels with state of the art technology, newer engineering and more space for researchers.

Planned delivery of the ship is late 2014. Dakota Creek Industries of Anacortes, Wash. will build the vessel.

Image: AGOR 27 (Credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)