Recent and planned investments are providing the capability to develop the already impressive activities of the Marine Institute.
A new 14 m twin hulled research vessel, able to operate 60 miles off the coast has recently completed sea trials. Built by Almaritec of Northumberland the vessel will exhibited at Seawork 2010 in Southampton prior to being delivered to Plymouth.
The research vessel will be named the “Falcon Spirit” in recognition of Robert Falcon Scott the Antarctic explorer and one of Plymouth’s sons.
A naming ceremony will take place on July 3rd during Blue Mile - the UK’s newest mass-participation event designed to engage people actively with the sea and marine environment.
In addition to the research vessel a new Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) capable of working at depth of 1,000 metres was purchased earlier this year. It will be able to be piloted from the new vessel providing scientists with accessibility to the sea bed for many types of experimental work.
Work has also begun on the ground work of a new £19 Million marine building. Part funded by the South West Regional Development Agency the building will house a ‘state of the art’ wave tank. The tank will be a world class resource providing the opportunity to evaluate marine renewable energy devices and coastal engineering processes.
The building will be opened in 2012 during the 150th celebratory year of the founding of the Plymouth’s School of Navigation.
