The highly anticipated ocean-research vessel OceanXplorer is drawing closer to her completion date. She came into public view just last week at her launch in Rotterdam, at Damen Shiprepair & Conversion. Measuring 285’8″ (87.1 meters), she is from a creative team spanning the superyacht sector, filmmaking, ocean conservation, and more.
OceanXplorer, which originally was to be named Alucia2, is fundamental to the mission of OceanX. The organization is employing science, storytelling, and technology to educate and inspire people globally about the oceans. It’s additionally collaborating with top scientists, media companies, philanthropic organizations, and more to further the educational and conservation cause. This isn’t new territory for OceanX, since it owns Alucia, which helped make the global television sensation Blue Planet II. Plus, Alucia helped scientists record the first-ever video of a giant squid in 2012 in Japan, among other accomplishments.
OceanXplorer is a former oil-survey ship that has been undergoing a conversion for nearly two years at Damen Shiprepair. The facility had quite a list of tasks to take on, such as structural modifications. In fact, a 40-ton A frame was put aboard, to help launch ROVs and submarines. As another example of the modifications, OceanXplorer has scientific laboratories and research facilities. Furthermore, Damen Shiprepair sealed up the existing moon pool. This feature is essentially an opening in a vessel’s hull. It permits, say, marine biologists, researchers, and/or others easier access to the water.
To enhance the comfort of researchers and filmmakers who’ll stay onboard—possibly James Cameron among them, as you’ll see in the video above—OceanXplorer has megayacht-like amenities. These came from the Gresham Yacht Design studio. The same studio is responsible for the restyled profile.
Watch OceanXplorer come to life and launch in the time-lapse video above.
Damen Shiprepair & Conversion damenshiprepair.com
OceanX oceanx.org
Gresham Yacht Design greshamyachtdesign.com
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