BBSR has always sought to raise the standard of scientific inquiry to the next level. From the small
boats of the early 1900s through the Panulirus I and II of the '50s and '60s and use of the Weatherbird I
in the early '80s, BBSR research has required increasingly sophisticated vessels. Since we purchased the 115-foot Weatherbird II
in 1986, she has carried hundreds of scientists logging thousands of research days, and returned our investment in the form of an expanded comprehension of the ecology of the Sargasso Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean.
Proximity to the deep waters surrounding Bermuda has allowed our research ship and scientists to contribute significantly to international efforts in understanding regional and global issues such as
climate change; oceanic currents and circulation; ocean biogeochemistry and ecosystem health; the exchange of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, between the ocean and atmosphere; and the incredible
variability of microbial life in our waters. Some data collected from our ship has also supported studies of environmental issues critical to Bermuda. And through it all, BBSR's offshore time-series
measurements were well served by the Weatherbird II through most seasons and weather conditions. Despite her impressive accomplishments, the Weatherbird II
has always had serious limitations. We have gamely made do with a class of vessel more appropriate to shallow-water operations. We must often wait for favorable weather before venturing out to sea. In storms at sea, we are stretching the habitability and safety windows by operating this small vessel on the open ocean. And in the worst winter months, studies involving the understanding of major open-ocean processes are often done by larger vessels steaming out from the U.S. East Coast to cover the science we cannot manage. Despite widespread interest in doing other types of research alongside our time-series measurements, there simply is not space aboard the
Weatherbird II for additional scientists or their equipment. There are strategic plans within the international science community to broadly increase research in the waters of the deep North
Atlantic. BBSR is ideally positioned to take a leadership role in these studies over the next decade, but only if we acquire a more capable research vessel. With the acquisition of a new ship, BBSR will
expand its scientific and educational reach to encompass new challenges and be better prepared to respond to the always-perplexing mysteries of the sea around us. One of our concerns has been to find a
ship eligible to be operated as a UNOLS vessel, as the Weatherbird II has been. The
University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System
is a U.S.-based research council that designates vessels eligible for operational funding from the U.S.
National Science Foundation (NSF). In November 2004, BBSR became aware of an intermediate-sized (168-foot) UNOLS-designated research
vessel being laid up – the Seward Johnson II
at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution. It was in excellent condition, with at least 15 to 20 years of remaining life, and a very good match for our research, education and safety needs for the next two decades. BBSR has secured an agreement that it will be designated as a UNOLS vessel with its $2.2 million annual operating funds to be provided by NSF.
The overall cost of adding this ship to the marine capability of BBSR is $5 million: Purchase price of the ship is $3.5 million, and $1.5 million is required to modify the ship for BBSR's research needs
and to expand our current docking facilities. Considering that a new ship would cost $12-20 million and require at least five years to design, build and equip, the availability of such a well-suited vessel –
now – and at such a reasonable price is a great opportunity.
Donor Investment Opportunities
There are many ways in which a donor can leave a meaningful imprint on the ocean-going research conducted by our institution. You can
memorialize your name – or that of your family or your business – by supporting whichever project related to our new research ship and dock expansion best fits your interests. We can meet your expectations
for acknowledgement, or maintain your privacy, as you wish. The key donor opportunities and costs are:Ship Naming: $2,000,000 –
The name of a research facility's ship becomes a distinctive and widely recognized symbol of the institution's cutting-edge science. Wheelhouse: $500,000 –
One of the major modifications we require on this vessel is a redesign of her wheelhouse to improve efficiency, flexibility and safety. Dockside Expansion: $500,000 –
The larger size of the new ship requires a significant improvement to BBSR's dock facilities. The look of the dockside building will be preserved. Ocean Sampling Station: $250,000 –
The key to collection of BBSR's time-series data is the CTD Rosette, and the new ship will be reconfigured for frequent CTD sampling. Scientific Quarters: $250,000 –
Safe and comfortable berths are critical to keep the scientists rested and their minds sharp. A renovation of these berths require a significant investment. Wardroom: $150,000 –
The wardroom is vital in the provision of a healthy work environment, especially during weeks-long research voyages. Science Laboratories: $100,000 each –
Up to four wet and dry laboratories will be provided on the ship and each has the potential for underwriting by interested donors. Scientific Voyages: $75,000 each –
Donors may have their family crests flown as pennants from the yardarm for one month per year on cruises during each of the first five years. |
Benefits of the New Research Ship •
Small enough to navigate Ferry Reach and dock at BBSR, but large enough to greatly improve seaworthiness and our ability to conduct science operations in higher sea state conditions •
Expanded deck space will carry up to four 20-foot scientific vans and/or work boats simultaneously •
Size will allow for the launching of larger scientific mooring buoys and instruments along with providing more room for multi-investigator equipment
•
Larger wet and dry laboratory space and greater stability for carrying more delicate instruments •
The necessary space for semi-permanent equipment installations to support our time-series research •
Greater science berthing capacity, as well as providing an environment for education at the K-12, undergraduate and graduate levels, with multi-day cruises for science education and technical training
•
Better vessel comfort and sea-kindliness to alleviate scientist and crew fatigue, and improve safety on longer cruises and at higher sea states |
