UC San Diego's Groundbreaking Hydrogen-Powered Research Vessel Set to Revolutionize Marine Science
Key Ideas
  • UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography issues a request for proposals for the final design of a Coastal-class research vessel (CCRV) that will run primarily on renewable fuels, marking a milestone for sustainable marine research.
  • The CCRV will be a dual-powered hydrogen fuel cell/diesel electric hybrid vessel, allowing for 75% of its missions to be conducted using liquid hydrogen fuel, resulting in zero emissions and a quiet operation ideal for contamination-free sampling.
  • The vessel's design has been approved by the American Bureau of Shipping and the US Coast Guard, and it will focus on various California research missions to study biological, chemical, geological, and physical processes in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
  • Upon delivery, the CCRV will join the U. Academic Research Fleet, replacing the Scripps research vessel Robert Gordon Sproul and supporting numerous scientific missions benefiting marine science students and researchers annually.
UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography is making waves in the field of marine science with the announcement of their new Coastal-class research vessel (CCRV) that is set to be a trailblazer in sustainable research practices. The CCRV will be a groundbreaking dual-powered hydrogen fuel cell/diesel electric hybrid vessel, marking a significant shift towards renewable energy use in marine research. With the capability to perform 75% of its missions using liquid hydrogen fuel, the CCRV will ensure zero emissions and a minimal operating noise level, crucial for contamination-free sampling and efficient underwater acoustic sensor performance. The approval of the vessel's preliminary design by the American Bureau of Shipping and subsequent endorsement by the US Coast Guard highlight the credibility and safety measures taken in the development of this innovative research platform. The CCRV's mission scope is extensive, focusing on essential California research objectives such as studying fisheries, harmful algal blooms, El Niño storms, atmospheric rivers, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and oxygen depletion zones. Measuring 163 feet in length, this state-of-the-art vessel will replace the longstanding Scripps research vessel Robert Gordon Sproul and serve as a vital asset in the U. Academic Research Fleet, supporting a multitude of scientific endeavors in the eastern Pacific. The CCRV's role in facilitating research for scientists and students underscores its significance in advancing marine science and environmental conservation efforts, setting a new standard for sustainable research practices in the marine domain.
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