CSIRO: wins new research vessel

The CSIRO, which has planned for several years to replace the aging Southern Surveyor ocean research ship, gained $120m funding from  the Budget towards what is known as its “marine national facility”.
The Southern Surveyor, which has carried out Australian marine research since 2003, will be 40 years old in 2011 – when the replacement vessel is due to be commissioned.
“This is a major boost to marine research in Australia which will deliver long-term benefits for our unique marine environment,” CSIRO’s group executive for the environment, Dr Andrew Johnson, said.
“There will be $29.6m over the next four years to allow for operating and maintaining the Southern Surveyor until the replacement vessel is launched.
“This will allow us to continue our world-class marine capability to deliver oceanographic, geo-scientific, fishery and ecosystem research and ensure vital integration between ocean, land and atmosphere research including climate change.
“Once the new vessel is operating it will be at sea for about 300 days a year, compared [with] the 130 days a year the Southern Surveyor is currently able to do.
“While CSIRO will own and operate the new vessel, it will be a ‘national facility’ so other Australian and overseas research organisations can carry out research aboard a modern, efficient facility.”
In the latest statement of requirements for the new ship, dated November 2007, CSIRO’s expert working group called for a length of 70-80 metres, a draught of 5.5 metres or more and capable of a transit speed of 16 knots and a service speed of 12 knots.