The Research & Development Corp. (RDC) is investing US$4.9 million in a multi-purpose survey, support and research and development vessel to be stationed in St John’s.
The total cost to design, build and operate such a vessel over a 10-year period is estimated at more than $100 million which will be funded by Fugro GeoSurveys (FGI). RDC’s investment targets the research and development capabilities, equipment and operations of the vessel, which will be built and operated by Fugro GeoSurveys.
The multipurpose vessel will provide long-term supply and service opportunities for local companies. While its core activities will consist of industry work, Fugro will dedicate 90 days per year for research and development activities.
The approximately 80m-long vessel, to be built and operated by FGI, will permit harsh environment and arctic research and development work. The estimated completion time for the vessel is March 2017. Once built, the vessel will be based in St. John’s and will have an estimated vessel compliment of 40-50 professionals.
“This is a purpose-built, modern ice-class vessel capable of supporting research and development for the ocean technology sector, offshore petroleum industry and others. This vessel will complement the suite of world class research and development facilities currently in this province, and I am confident it will lead to increased offshore and Arctic research and development, commercial testing, and value-added economic activity," says Glenn Janes, RDC CEO.