A new science vessel built in Vancouver will be plying the waters around Vancouver Island in the coming months, while its crew learns the ropes.
The Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel is a floating laboratory which will be Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s flagship research platform at sea. After sea trials and small missions around the Island, it will be stationed in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
Named the Naalak Nappaaluk, after a respected elder from Nunavik, it can accommodate up to 34 crew and 26 scientists. It was built by Seaspan Shipyards, and is loaded with the latest technology. It will also be capable of search and rescue operations.
The ship was launched in an official ceremony last weekend, and remains dockside at Seaspan for final outfitting.
