Keeping Marine Research Thriving

The National Science Foundation (NSF) contracted Glosten to perform stability evaluations on 16 vessels of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) fleet. Ensuring the stability of a research vessel over its service life can be a serious challenge. Research vessels have unique loading practices because they serve numerous organizations. They carry several different loading configurations of scientific gear and personnel to accomplish countless science missions. Over time, this transient-type of service can lead to a significant increase in vessel weight.

Weight Management

Given their complex loading demands and irregular voyage schedules, detailed weight management is a major challenge for the research vessel fleet. Research missions regularly require “over-the-side” lifting, so having a full understanding of the vessel weight and center of gravity—and the calculations to reinforce that understanding—is critical to ensure the safety of the crew and science personnel on board.

Find the Trends, Predict the Future

Over an 18-month period, Glosten engineers performed deadweight surveys and incline experiments to establish baselines for evaluating mission-specific weight changes for each vessel in the UNOLS fleet. The results of the stability evaluations were analyzed for detailed trends in weight growth. This critical information allows the research vessel community to make informed decisions and plan accordingly for predicted weight growth in the future.

A Safe, Reliable Fleet

These efforts continue to support research vessel operators in their efforts to ensure that the vessels remain within a safe stability zone, operate long into their service lives, and keep their passengers and crew safe.

How can we help you?

Glosten has provided design and engineering support services to the oceanographic research community for over forty years.