UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography has initiated a groundbreaking project to construct a new 163-ft. Coastal Class Research Vessel (CCRV) that will be the first oceanographic research ship primarily operating on renewable fuels. The vessel will feature a dual-powered hydrogen fuel cell and diesel-electric propulsion system, enabling it to conduct 75% of its missions using liquid hydrogen and produce zero emissions while ensuring contamination-free sampling and optimized performance of its underwater acoustic sensors. The CCRV's design, approved by the American Bureau of Shipping and the U.S. Coast Guard, meets safety and technical standards for zero-emission hydrogen propulsion. This aligns with California's climate action goals, supporting efforts to reduce air pollution and promote a carbon-neutral economy. The research vessel will focus on studying marine ecosystems, ocean acidification, sea-level rise, El Niño events, harmful algal blooms, and other environmental changes, replacing the aging R/V Robert Gordon Sproul. Funding for the CCRV project comes from the State of California, the U.S. Office of Naval Research, and the Department of Energy as part of California's clean hydrogen initiative. Various feasibility studies supported by entities like Sandia National Laboratories and Glosten have contributed to the vessel's development. The project aims to provide a cutting-edge platform for marine research, supporting scientists and students in advancing ocean science and environmental stewardship.