MBARI’s next research vessel is a new beginning for ocean exploration

MBARI is beginning the next chapter in our work with the construction of a new research vessel named after our founder, David Packard. For over three decades, MBARI research has revealed the astounding diversity of life deep beneath the surface, and the institute’s technology innovations have provided priceless insights into the ocean’s geological, ecological, and biogeochemical processes.
The new research ship will enable continued exploration of the deep sea, from the midnight zone-the inky depths below 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet)-to the abyssal seafloor 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) deep. As the command center for the remotely operated vehicle Doc Ricketts, the David Packard will allow researchers to continue exploring the deepest reaches of the Monterey Canyon and beyond. The new ship will also be capable of deploying a variety of autonomous underwater vehicles. These robots can conduct visual and acoustic surveys, sample seawater, and map the seafloor. The ship will be 50 meters (164 feet) long and 12.8 meters (42 feet) wide with a draft of 3.7 meters (12 feet). It will support an operations crew of 12 and a science crew of 18.
We are looking forward to welcoming the R/V David Packard into our fleet in late 2023.
Learn more about the new vessel: mbari.co/MBARINewShip
The images and videos of the R/V David Packard shown here are an artist’s rendition and may not represent the vessel’s final build. Thanks to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for the use of their ROV and AUV models.
Script/Narration/Animation/Editing: Dylan Hyun, MBARI Science Communication Intern
Production team: Heidi Cullen, Dylan Hyun, Raúl Nava, Kyra Schlining, Nancy Jacobsen Stout, Susan von Thun
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[@Cericle]

Thank-you for the continuing dedication to education about our oceans!

[@vincentkc48]

Word!

[@nogoodnames3147]

Can't wait for the midnight zone content. It's a personal favorite lol

[@patrickhamos2987]

Impressive!!! Launching a craft like that is no small feat

[@gracieray3081]

Been following you guys for a while. Keep it up and good luck!!

[@always_cornelia]

Oh wow! Just simply mind blowing!

[@patrickcarpenter6258]

Congratulations!

[@charlescabana7849]

Very impressive. Smooth sailing!

[@oneshotme]

Enjoyed your video so I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@boatingaccident2882]

So exciting!!!

[@complimentary_voucher]

Hope the boat project comes to fruition, I know funding can be an issue. Looks like a nice design.

[@Rob77896]

Very exciting:)

[@sherrysmithrice1973]

When I was in the navy my ship had a sub called Trieste 2 which maped the ocean floor.

[@brucefelter1335]

👏👏👏👏👏💯

[@agenericaccount3935]

Well that's pretty dang neat.

[@ZadakLeader]

Cool

[@ilovecats4208]

Cool ship! Do you guys know how far out you have to swim in Avila Beach before the sea floor drops pretty deep?

[@jStoeh]

Woohoo!

[@thehoneyseals]

BUILD MORE SHIPS BUILD MORE SHIPS

[@nevadabadger7925]

I had to watch this muted. Where is this being built?

[@Dog.soldier1950]

Your ship. Doesn’t seem to meet jones act requirement as being built in Spain

[@myckenziet.7605]

Isn't the Jones Act about cargo? This vessel will not be delivering cargo between two us points so it isn't subject to Jones Act. Just like passenger vessels.

[@Dog.soldier1950]

@@myckenziet.7605 no it includes pax

[@jessebarlow1277]

Is the Rachel Carson retiring?

[@MBARIvideo]

The R/V Western Flyer is retiring after 25 years of service! the R/V Rachel Carson will continue it's work as well.

[@theplanetrepairman9945]

That's a lot of freeboard. It's a bit disconcerting, no amount of ballast seasickness pills will prevent it from capsizing.

[@Kate9067]

Cool story.

[@wmschooley1234]

It’s highly unlikely that the naval architects at Glosten designed a research ship prone to capsizing. There are numerous general purpose, ocean going, supply and service ships operating in the north sea oil fields with similar lines and freeboard. Take a look at the lines of the NSA/University of Alaska RV Sikuliaq which was also a Glosten designed a research ship.

[@bradsillasen1972]

@@wmschooley1234 Does appear to be top heavy, but I assume that whoever engineered and built it knows more than I. I'd like to hear an explanation of the overall design in terms of functionality. Looking forward to some good videos from it also!

[@theplanetrepairman9945]

@@wmschooley1234 Naval? There are guns now too? Oh dear.

[@Schlining]

The R/V David Packard needs a relatively shallow draft for entry/exit from Moss Landing Harbor. The ship will be equipped with motion stabilizers to help keep the ship stable and the crew happy. Also ... it's not going capsize (see ballast)

[@kuitaranheatmorus9932]

Cool