Ship launch marks key milestone in OSU-led construction of new U.S. oceanographic research vessels

OSU will operate a new oceanographic research vessel based out of Newport. Learn more here.
HOUMA, La. – The first of three new oceanographic research vessels dedicated to advancing marine science along U.S. coasts was successfully launched Thursday.
The ship, R/V Taani, is being constructed as part of a project, led by Oregon State University and funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, to provide scientists with valuable new tools to study critical issues such as rapidly changing ocean conditions and human impacts on the marine environment.
The Regional Class Research Vessel project, supported by more than $390 million in grants, is charged with delivering three nearly identical ships to the U.S. Academic Research Fleet. The ships are being built by Bollinger Shipyards in Houma, Louisiana with construction staggered about six months between each vessel. Taani will be operated by Oregon State University and based in Newport on the Oregon Coast.
“Seeing Taani in the water is a very special moment and signifies the promise of many scientific advances to come in the years ahead,” said Tuba Özkan-Haller, dean of OSU’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, which is overseeing the effort for the university. “We are grateful that the National Science Foundation has entrusted us to lead this project.”
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