Renovated RV Marion Dufresne II Set for 20 More Years
The renowned French research vessel Marion Dufresne II left Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque (part of Damen Shiprepair & Conversion) in northern France on 28 July 2015 having recently undergone sea trials and a complete renovation. Damen has rebuilt a large part of the vessel within 4 months to extend her life by 20 years. Delivered on time, the oceanographic research vessel set sail for the Port of La Réunion where she will resume her logistic and scientific journey to the French Southern and Antarctic Lands.
The vessel’s most important scientific apparatus, the multi-beam sonar was scrapped to fit a new gondola and control room for the Kongsberg EM122 ocean depth multibeam echo sounder, the Kongsberg SBP 120 sub-bottom profiler and the EM 710 MK II medium-depth multibeam echo sounder. Also the Kongsberg EK80 scientific echo sounder was added. Furthermore the ILOT capstan, a system used to take sea water samples, was replaced and new equipment installed.
The hull has been blasted and repainted as well as some of the ballast tanks. The vessel’s accommodation areas have been redone in cooperation with the client’s subcontractor, this included laboratory facilities used by IPEV scientists. Marion Dufresne II can accommodate 114 passengers or scientific researchers and 46 crew.
Multi Purpose
The multi-purpose vessel owned by French administration 'Les Terres australes et antarctiques françaises' (TAAF) and managed by CMA CGM, supplies French southern islands 4 months a year, and carries out oceanographic research 217 days per year under the responsibility of the Institut Polaire Paul-Emile Victor (IPEV). Operating out of the Port of La Réunion, the vessel transports passengers and supplies to the French islands of the Indian Ocean and performs scientific works in all ocean conditions, but for iced covered. Marion Dufresne II is now returning to the French Southern and Antarctic Lands to continue her logistic work and scientific research.
Besides her research and scientific capabilities, this multi-purpose vessel has a heli-deck and can be used as a supply vessel to transport containers and fuel to remote areas.
