ARRV News

•University seeks name for Alaska Region Research Vessel (July 24, 2009)
When completed in 2014, the Alaska Region Research Vessel will be one of the most technologically advanced oceanographic vessels in the world.  But, it is missing something: a name.  The University of Alaska Fairbanks is asking the public to submit ideas for the name of the research vessel. Please send your name ideas to shipname@sfos.uaf.edu by September 1, 2009.  The ARRV will be a 242-foot research vessel capable of breaking ice up to 2.5 feet and is designed for scientific research in arctic and subarctic waters. Once completed, the university hopes to dock the ARRV in Seward.  Read more....

•NSF announces funding for Alaska Region Research Vessel (May 27, 2009 UAF press release)
The National Science Foundation has announced that the Alaska Region Research Vessel will be the first project funded from NSF's portion of the nation's economic stimulus funds, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The research vessel is a 242-foot, ice-capable vessel to support scientific research in high-latitude waters. The vessel will be owned by NSF and operated by the University of Alaska Fairbanks on behalf of the entire ocean sciences community, through the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System. Bids for shipyard construction are due this September. The vessel is expected to be ready for use in 2014. Read more....


•NSF announces first major award under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to the Alaska Region Research Vessel (May 27, 2009 National Science Foundation press release)
The National Science Foundation (NSF) made its first major award under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to construct the Alaska Region Research Vessel (ARRV). This investment will not only provide a technologically advanced tool for science but help preserve jobs and promote economic recovery. The three-year construction phase of the project will support 4,350 total jobs--750 directly at the shipyard and as many as 3,600 in the broader economy. NSF intends to ensure that the ARRV is built in a U.S. shipyard. Read more....


•UAF awarded first phase of Alaska Region Research Vessel (August 23, 2007)
After 30 years of planning and development, the University of Alaska Fairbanks has been awarded the first phase of funding for the construction of the Alaska Region Research Vessel, a 236-foot ice-capable vessel to support research in high latitudes. (August 23, 2007 press release) Read more....

•Alaska Region Research Vessel closer to reality (February 22, 2006)
President Bush's State of the Union pledge to fund research in the physical sciences could result in a new 236-foot marine research vessel headquartered out of Seward's harbor. Read more....