Oceanological explorations are indispensable to the broad spectrum of science and technology, research, innovation, and development. Most scientific research on our planet is centred around oceans and seas.
Oceans are vast repositories of energy reserves, natural resources, flora and fauna, and, of course, dictating the entire climate system of the world. Moreover, oceans remain the dominant means of global trade, commerce, and transport, thanks to shipping and several applications in terms of defence systems.
Hence, exploration of the seas and oceans is also crucial for maritime transport and applications.
The foremost aspect of studying and researching the oceans is their litany of associated challenges.
Oceanographic research involves reaching uncharted territories far away from any landmass and, more importantly, delving into abysmal depths usually associated with extreme conditions like temperatures and titanic pressures.
Thus, for centuries, underwater explorations have remained a colossal challenge for mankind. Over the years, innovation in terms of technologies and resources has bolstered our efficacy in studying the oceans, eliminating pre-existing challenges and bottlenecks, and opening up paths that have made the expansive waters much more visible to us.
The only feasible means to carry out study and exploration of oceans is the use of vessels, both surface and underwater.
What are Research Vessels?
Research vessels are dedicated vessels used to conduct various kinds of research, and exploration works about the seas or oceans. They manifest their utility in two ways: 1) carrying equipment and necessary systems for research and exploration activities. 2) housing personnel and experts shall conduct the research and studies.
Research vessels are either new buildings or are often retrofitted from other general-purpose vessels. Retrofitting older cargo and passenger vessels is becoming quite an emerging trend.
From a basic design point of view, research vessels presuppose two chief requirements:
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- Basic or vessel requirement
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- Technical or scientific requirement
The former usually deals with the vessel’s capabilities in terms of speed, size, completeness, capacities, propulsion, design, endurance, performance, positioning, seakeeping, and resistance characteristics, basically the usual requirements of any vessel that determines its fitness in the seas.
For all practical purposes, research vessels do not have significant speed requirements as they do not need to adhere to any stringent time frame and must mostly remain stationary at a specific point or location so that the research and exploration work can be carried out. However, the other essential design requirements like manoeuvring, seakeeping, and structural strength are crucial.
Seakeeping and stability are important as research vessels venture into rough environments, further exacerbated by inclement atmospheric weather conditions.
These vessels remain there for a prolonged period and exhibit high levels of responses to wind disturbances and rough sea states, so the research and exploration activities not only remain mostly unhindered but related activities onboard, like in laboratories and data analysis centres, can function smoothly.
From a structural design point of view, as often many research vessels venture out into icy waters, ice class considerations with regards to strengthening the hull, additional constructions and material on specific critical regions of the hull (like ice belt), deck protection, maintenance of equipment and systems, are incorporated.
Endurance and sufficiency are crucial factors for research vessels as the primary requirement for any research vessel is sustenance on the sea for days at a stretch, if not months.
Henceforth, this necessitates that the vessel is fit enough to sustain itself and the crew and other utilities on board. Thus, research vessels should have propulsion design as well as practises (on-off timing, engine priming, engine speeds, power reduction, rpm setting, etc.) along with sufficient space in terms of fuel tankage, such that the fuel stowed on board is sufficient to cater for the vessel’s voyage to its necessary point (along with some margins) as well as the onboard power supply for a host of consumptions, ranging from hotel loads in accommodation spaces to consumptions in laboratories or testing centres to surplus supplies required for running systems and equipment for carrying out research and exploration works.
The framework for power utilisation on board differs from vessel to vessel and is quite distinct from normal cargo ships. Research vessels, new buildings or retrofitted ones often have extra fuel oil tanks to take into account for surplus expenditures. However, it is pretty common for research vessels to resort to in-sea replenishment from various supply vessels depending on the accessibility of its location and availability.
Another side of this sufficiency index includes providing supplies and consumables to sustain lives on board for prolonged periods. Research vessels, as we know, need to hold personnel and crew for days or months. Thus, an adequate amount of fresh water, food, raw materials, and other provisions and supplies is required. New buildings and retrofitted research vessels have extra spaces for the stowage of these store items.
Stationkeeping or positioning is also a critical parameter for research vessels. If that requirement falters, the entire purpose of research and studying while being strictly stationary at a particular location gets hampered.
Modern research vessels equipped with GPS systems and stability and DPS technology have revolutionized stationkeeping capabilities. These vessels are equipped with advanced onboard facilities including essential equipment, systems, laboratories, and instrumentation.
Research vessels play a crucial role in various applications, primarily stationed at specific points of interest for underwater studies. Data and observations collected by divers and equipment are then analyzed by experts on board for future reference.
Hydrographic surveys form a significant part of research vessel activities, mapping the seafloor and studying underwater features. Oceanographic studies delve into the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water. Specialized research includes polar exploration, defence activities, and space communication testing.
Design considerations for research vessels prioritize deck space optimization for housing personnel and technical equipment. The main deck houses most technical work areas, while subsequent decks may also be utilized for complex designs. The hull design focuses on minimizing external disturbances and acoustic interferences, with provisions for isolation mounts, damping, and noise-cancelling measures.
Research vessels are uniquely designed to meet the specific requirements of critical research work, ensuring efficient operations and data collection.