SOCIB OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH VESSEL
Oceanographic research vessels are designed and equipped for scientific research missions: for analysing physical, chemical or biological characteristics of the sea water, or for observing marine ecosystems. It is with these objectives that research vessels are designed to accommodate a wide range of oceanographic activities.
NAVIGATING TOWARDS UNDERSTANDING THE MEDITERRANEAN
The activities carried out by the SOCIB vessel vary according to the scientific objectives of each mission.Generally the work carried out on each campaign covers several multidisciplinary activities:
- Recording ocean parameters from the surface to the sea bed, such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, fluorescence and currents
- Taking water samples from the surface to the sea bed to determine nutrient salts, suspended particles and microorganisms
- Benthic fauna sampling, using dredges and nets
- Continuous records of temperature and salinity on the surface. These records are combined with meteorological observations of wind, temperature, pressure and humidity.
Other missions have the objective of installing or recovering oceanographic equipment anchored out at great depths, such as the oceanographic buoys; the launch and logistic support for unmanned underwater vehicles such as the gliders or the ROVs which SOCIB uses to measure and observe the Mediterranean Sea continuously.
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE SOCIB RESEARH VESSEL
The SOCIB research vessel is a catamaran which is much more versatile and practical for research campaigns, since it combines high performance navigation with habitability, an essential characteristic for this type of vessel.
The catamaran is 24 metres long and equipped with the latest technological advances and specifically designed for carrying out multidisciplinary research tasks. It has ample working facilities, such as a 60m2 deck, a 27m2 (wet/dry) multipurpose laboratory and a bridge with 360º visibility. The SOCIB research vessel can accommodate a total of 16 people including crew, researchers or technicians undertaking continuous research campaigns for up to 7 days.
Research Vessel Facility is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER)