Dedication ceremony for ocean research vessels

Agor-27 and Agor-28 are the first two of a new advanced design of ocean research vessels. Designed by naval architecture and marine engineering firm Guido Perla & Associates Inc (GPA), they will support ocean science for the next 30 years. The company designed the vessels as maritime laboratories and are now in the process of providing detail and production engineering for DCI during construction.

Dick Nelson, owner and president, DCI, said: “We are extremely pleased to be able to continue our long and productive relationship with GPA. They have been our partner throughout the entire process, providing tremendous value from the start of design and now into production.”

The US$145m vessels are owned by the Navy and will be operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Scripps Institute of Oceanography.

Since winning the contract, GPA has provided the complete design, developed work packages and completed sections of the 3D ShipConstructor model which is being used for production. Once approved by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), production began immediately.