Press Release 12-192
National Science Foundation Launches Arctic Research Vessel

R/V Sikuliaq will support marine research in the Arctic

The R/V Sikuliaq will be operated for NSF by the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Credit and Larger Version

October 13, 2012

For high definition b-roll of the ship and construction, please contact Dena Headlee at dheadlee@nsf.gov. Watch this video to learn more about the R/V Sikuliaq.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), in cooperation  with the Marinette Marine Corporation (MMC) and the University of Alaska, Fairbanks (UAF) today successfully launched the R/V Sikuliaq (pronounced see-KOO-lee-ack), a "next-generation" global class research vessel. 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.

"R/V Sikuliaq is one of the most advanced research vessels in the world," said NSF Director Subra Suresh. "Its capabilities to operate in extreme ecosystems will serve the science and engineering research communities for decades to come, while providing opportunities for educators and students to learn first-hand about the Arctic environment."

NSF invested nearly $200 million into R/V Sikuliaq, which was the first and largest single award made using NSF's Recovery Act funds. It is the academic fleet's first global class, ice-capable ship owned by NSF.

Although this 261-foot, general-purpose ship has a hull specifically designed to operate in Arctic sea ice and the open waters surrounding Alaska, it can work effectively throughout the world's oceans. It will support roughly 500 researchers and students annually and spend up to 270 days per year at sea. It is accessible to persons with disabilities. Sikuliaq will allow researchers to work in ice-covered waters not previously accessible on a routine basis, and play an essential role in our understanding of the Arctic Ocean system and how it is changing over time.

The new vessel's name, Sikuliaq, is an Inupiat word meaning "young sea ice." "The name 'Sikuliaq' reflects both our Alaska heritage as well as our focus on arctic research," said UAF Chancellor Brian Rogers.

The vessel will be uniquely equipped for operating in ice-covered waters, with a reinforced double hull, two rotating thrusters, and scalloped propeller blades enabling it to break through first-year ice up to 2.5 feet thick. The ship will also be outfitted with the latest technology for marine research, including a low underwater noise signature, advanced communications, acoustic sensors and advanced scientific equipment handling systems.

Sikuliaq will depart on its first science mission in early 2014. The ship will be home ported at UAF's Seward Marine Center in Seward, Alaska.

-NSF-

Media Contacts
Dana Topousis, NSF (703) 292-7750 dtopousi@nsf.gov

Program Contacts
Matthew J. Hawkins, NSF (703) 292-7407 mjhawkin@nsf.gov

Related Websites
Marinette Marine Corporation: http://www.marinettemarine.com/
University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System: http://www.unols.org
University of Alaska School of Fisheries & Ocean Sciences: http://www.sfos.uaf.edu/
NSF Announces First Major Award Under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to the Alaska Region Research Vessel (ARRV): http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=114796

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2012, its budget is $7.0 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and other institutions. Each year, NSF receives over 50,000 competitive requests for funding, and makes about 11,000 new funding awards. NSF also awards nearly $420 million in professional and service contracts yearly.

 Get News Updates by Email 

Useful NSF Web Sites:
NSF Home Page: http://www.nsf.gov
NSF News: http://www.nsf.gov/news/
For the News Media: http://www.nsf.gov/news/newsroom.jsp
Science and Engineering Statistics: http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/
Awards Searches: http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/