Siemens Selected for New NSF Research Vessel for Oregon State University

Siemens Marine Solutions has been selected as the propulsion single source vendor (SSV) by Houma, Louisiana-based Gulf Islands Shipyard in the construction of a new Regional Class Research Vessel (RCRV) for the National Science Foundation (NSF) and operated by Oregon State University (OSU). The vessel will specialize in coastal ocean ecosystem research and observation in an effort to advance coastal science.

With advanced marine solutions from Siemens, the to-be-named RCRV will provide a cutting-edge and advanced research platform for scientists and educators.  The vessel is designed to be environmentally-friendly and acoustically-quiet during operation, with a host of on-board sensors, including overboard-handling systems for the launch and recovery of scientific packages.  The first of a series of three vessels is expected to launch in early 2020 and will be operated by OSU on the West Coast as part of the University-Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS).

The new vessel will feature Siemens Blue Drive PLUSC™ Diesel Electric Propulsion (DEP) system, a unique diesel-electric solution that increases safety, cuts operational costs, improves lifecycle economics and decreases the environment footprint.  Reducing noise and vibration on the water during research activities is critical, and the Blue Drive PLUSC is capable of reducing varying engine with load to optimize operations.

As the propulsion and control SSV, Siemens is providing an integrated power and energy system (IPES) scope that includes the propulsion thrusters, engines and Dynamic Positioning (DP) system, as well as Siemens motors, remote diagnostic system, diesel generator sets, switchboards and power distribution, alarm and monitoring system, on-board sensors and condition based monitoring.  In addition, Siemens will provide the project management, engineering studies, propulsion system integration and engineering services to support commissioning up to sea trial and delivery.

“When it comes to marine research vessels, Siemens has established itself as the go-to technology provider, with proven vessel automation and electrification solutions that exceed the ever-changing industry challenges that shipbuilders, naval architects, owner/operators and regulators face on a daily basis,” says David Grucza, Director of Siemens Drilling and Marine, U.S.  “In the design of this RCRV, Siemens worked with all stakeholders to provide a totally integrated vessel based on the unique mission and operational profile of the RCRV and the needs of the research community.”

Siemens technology can also be found on two recently-commissioned research vessels.  The R/V Neil Armstrong (AGOR 27) (Auxiliary General Oceanographic Research), operated by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and the R/V Sally Ride (AGOR 28) operated by Scripps Institution of Oceanography, both feature Siemens marine propulsion, electrification and control solutions.

Siemens has been in the marine business dating back to 1847, when Siemens purchased the Faraday, a specially-designed ship designed to lay cables across the Atlantic Ocean between England and America.  Siemens installed a generator and bright arc lamp on-board the vessel in 1877, the first case of electricity on a ship, allowing the crew to work during the night.  Later, in 1886, Siemens founder, Werner von Siemens built the world’s first electrically-powered ship, the Elektra.  Today, Siemens continues to bring ingenuity to life in the marine industry through vessel like the F/V Blue North and the world’s first all-electric ferry, the MV Ampere.

About Siemens                                                              

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for 170 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of efficient power generation and power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2016, which ended on September 30, 2016, Siemens generated revenue of €79.6 billion and net income of €5.6 billion. At the end of September 2016, the company had around 351,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.