New marine research vessel for Australia

The Australian Government has dedicated A$120 million ($91.11 million) towards building a new marine science research vessel. The new 85-metre vessel will replace the almost 40 year old ?Southern Surveyor? and will be custom designed to accommodate 30 scientists. The vessel will be funded for 300 days a year at sea and will have a 10,000 nautical mile range. It will be able to sail from the northern tropics to the edge of the Antarctic and will enable scientists and oceanographers to study weather patterns and sea life.