 |
 |
||||
|
|||||
 |
|
To receive our NEWSLETTER click here August 11, 2003 TRANSFORMATION OF ICE BREAKER INTO RESEARCH VESSEL COMPLETE Following just over 3 months of intensive structural and cosmetic repairs and modifications, the transformation of the newly renamed, 98 meter long, FISHERIES AND OCEANS ice breaker, Amundsen (formerly the Sir John Franklin) into an Arctic research vessel has been successfully completed. The vessel departed dry dock on Saturday, August 2nd and has remained at the federal wharf for an additional 10 days for the completion of all final work. Through the combined efforts of VERREAULT NAVIGATION inc. and LES CHANTIERS VERREAULT inc., the transformed vessel is now equipped with seven newly constructed and fully functioning, specialized wet and dry laboratories including nitrogen, refrigeration and dark rooms as well as paleooceanographic and coring labs. Other significant research facilities include the introduction of an 8x8 foot wide "moon pool" outfitted with a hydraulic shell door, watertight hatch and hydraulic sliding doors providing access to an adjoining CTD Rosette room. Installed in the CTD Rosette room is a telescopic beam and winch for the lowering of the remote operated Rosette and R.O.V. (Remote Operated Vehicle) which are capable of taking scientific readings and images up to a maximum depth of 6000 meters. Also newly installed on the bottom of the vessel's hull is a sophisticated 4.1 meter long multi beam echo sounder transmitter and 2.76 meter long receiver, allowing for further advanced measurements and readings. Finally, located on the vessels bow and starboard decks, are two newly constructed 'A' frames (10 ton and 2.5 ton) with high power winches for additional sample taking and equipment and material manoeuvering capabilities. The vessel departs Les Méchins on Thursday, August 14th for crew and supply embarkation in Québec City and is expected to depart for it's inaugural 1 year research expedition off the Mckenzie plateau in the Western Arctic in the coming weeks.
|
