Minister launches Research Vessel Project and national naming contest
Ocean and climate science today received a huge boost with the launch of the $120 million research vessel project, and a national competition to give the ship a name, in Hobart by Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr and Federal Member for Denison Duncan Kerr.
“By 2012, Australian scientists will be conducting their research from a state-of-the-art ship, which will allow them to work from a single vessel capable of handling all of Australia’s temperate, tropical and sub-polar marine environments,” said Senator Carr.
“The new vessel will be based in Hobart and will allow us to gain a much deeper understanding of the mysteries of Australia’s ocean territories, which are the third largest in the world.
“There is so much to learn about our marine biodiversity, the potential mineral wealth on the seafloor, and the ocean basins which are so important to our climate.
"And I would like the assistance of the nation, from primary school students up, in naming what will be a great ship.
"So today I launch a national naming competition, giving every Australian the chance to take part.
"The name might have an Australian flavour or it might emphasise the vessel’s role in discovery.
"Prizes will be awarded in three categories – for primary students, for secondary students, and for everybody else.
"The grand prize will be the chance to perform your own experiment on the world’s newest and finest ocean-going laboratory. Entries close on the 1st of December, and more information will be available on the CSIRO website.
“Plans for this great vessel are at a very early stage, but it is likely to be 85 metres long and weigh 3,000 tonnes. It will be able to stay at sea much longer than the present vessel – up to 55 days at a time.
"The ship will accommodate twice as many scientists, up to 45 at a time, allowing much more cross-disciplinary team work.
“On board there will be facilities for oceanography, marine biology, meteorology, climatology and marine geoscience.
“Its voyage range will be 10,000 nautical miles, enabling it to investigate the Indian, Pacific and Southern Oceans, including in sub-Antarctic conditions.
“An expert group of scientists and engineers will assess final designs for the vessel.
“Like space, the world’s oceans are still a fascinating mystery.
“The new vessel will give marine scientists access to the world-leading facilities they need to unlock the hidden frontier of marine science.
“The $120 million for a new vessel and another $30 million to operate and maintain the current Australian research vessel, Southern Surveyor, were provided as part of the Super Science Initiative: Marine and Climate in the 2009-10 Budget.
“The Australian Government wants its scientists to remain pre-eminent in the marine and climate sciences and we are providing the facilities to make that possible,” said Senator Carr.
Duncan Kerr said: “Tasmania is a natural home of science and the natural home of the replacement for the Southern Surveyor.”
"The new vessel is great news for the local economy and for our researchers.
“This investment will allow our scientists working with the CSIRO to explore the secrets of the deep,” said Mr Kerr.
Media Contacts: Minister’s office, Catriona Jackson, 0417 142 238
CSIRO, Huw Morgan, 0417 834 547
Mr Kerr’s office, Ben McKay, 0400 101 847