Page 55: of Marine Technology Magazine (May 2018)

Vessels

RV Thomas G. Thompson

University of Washingon

Research vessel (R/V) Thomas G. the next generation of seagoing scien- “This means better diesel-electric gen-

Thompson (AGOR-23) completed an tists and technicians.” eration and distribution systems, stron- 18-month upgrade to improve operating Vigor Shipyard in Seattle conducted ger compliance with environmental re- systems, bolster its research capabilities the re? t, and the 274-ft. Thompson was quirements, and reduced obsolescence and extend its working life. The Navy- refurbished from stem to stern, through- of various systems and components.” owned vessel has been operated and out all ? ve of its decks. It received new Since ? nishing the re? t earlier this maintained University of Washington cleaner and more ef? cient diesel en- year, the revamped Thompson has since 1991, under a charter lease agree- gines, the latest navigation and ship- sailed to New Zealand and Taiwan- ment with the Of? ce of Naval Research positioning systems, as well as sophisti- and will travel to India, Sri Lanka, the (ONR)-which manages the ship on be- cated sonar, allowing it to map the ocean Philippines, South Africa and Australia half of the service. ? oor in sharper detail and even differen- in coming months. Research projects

The $52 million re? t, which was spon- tiate between species of ? sh and other include using special ? oats to measure sored by ONR, the University of Wash- marine life. the ocean’s temperature and salinity, ington and the National Science Foun- The Thompson’s laboratories were mapping underwater mountains, and dation, extended the Thompson’s life by updated to include advanced IT infra- studying the heat ? ow generated by an another 15-20 years. By comparison, it structure to better support scienti? c data aquatic volcano and hot springs. would cost around $200 million to build collection and analysis at sea, while also “The R/V Thompson has performed a new research vessel. enabling improved real-time communi- very well since its re? t, and the crew has “The re? t of the R/V Thompson pro- cations with shore. Several critical sen- provided positive feedback,” said Doug- vides a continued global capability of sor systems also were replaced, provid- las Russell, the University of Washing- support to Navy and national oceano- ing upgraded scienti? c capabilities and ton’s manager of marine operations. graphic research objectives,” said Dr. increased reliability. “They especially appreciate things like

Tom Drake, head of ONR’s Ocean Bat- “Besides extending the vessel’s useful the improved air conditioning and heat- tlespace Sensing Department. “It also life at an attractive cost, this mid-life re- ing systems, water-making and sewage enables additional years of service, ? t updates the propulsion systems with plants, and the new drainage system- hundreds of thousands of ocean miles the newest in marine technology,” said things you don’t think about until you’re sailed, research opportunities for thou- Tim Schnoor, the program of? cer over- out at sea and really need them to work sands of scientists, and the training of seeing ONR’s research vessel program. well.” www.marinetechnologynews.com

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