Scientific research vessel RV Falkor at Rivergate Shipyard
World-renowned scientific research vessel, RV Falkor, has undertaken crucial certification and procurement work at Rivergate’s world-class marina and shipyard ahead of its circumnavigation of Australia.
The 83-metre vessel, which recently berthed at Rivergate for a two-week period, chose the premier shipyard for its first-class amenities, deep water berthage and ability to cater for larger vessels.
The crew of Falkor and various Rivergate contractors carried out important servicing and certification of lifesaving equipment, logistical operations, repair of scientific equipment and modular parts for the ROV, which is capable of diving to 4,500 metres.
The Rivergate project management team ensure the work was completed on time and under budget.
Rivergate’s planned multi-million-dollar expansion, will increase the shipyard’s capabilities to lift vessels such as Falkor for vital inspections, maintenance, repairs, and refits.
Other plans would include a hardstand with capacity for multiple vessels up to 90m, three large refit sheds, two in water service berths and a 5-storey Trade Centre with offices, training rooms, café, crew accommodation and recreation facilities.
Owned and operated by Schmidt Ocean Institute, Falkor is a former fishing boat, built in 1980 and converted to a high-tech scientific explorer vessel. It has been operating since 2012 and was the world’s first year-round philanthropic research vessel made available for free to scientists.
Schmidt Ocean Institute is an initiative of Wendy and Eric Schmidt, established in 2009 to carry out research in the world’s oceans using advanced technology.
“Sharing our laboratories, computing and communication facilities aboard RV Falkor is the first step in creating a new kind of collaborative marine science community,” said Wendy Schmidt of their aims for Falkor.
The organisation invites select international scientific teams to carry out collaborative oceanographic research and technology development aboard Falkor.
RV Falkor collects data that is key to accurately modelling and predicting ocean-climate dynamics in a warming world with increasing carbon dioxide concentrations.
In 2020, RV Falkor and its ROV (remotely operated underwater vehicle) known as “SuBastian”, which is rated to 4,500-metres, conducted deep-sea exploration of canyons and coral ecosystems on all four sides of the Australian continent.
The name “Falkor” would be familiar to fans of the epic 80s film “The NeverEnding Story” as the wise Luck Dragon who tries to prevent the destruction of “Fantasia”.
The Schmidt Ocean Institute announced last week that it had acquired an additional research vessel that would expand the organisation’s philanthropic science program and capability to explore the ocean.
The new ship is significantly larger and can travel further than Falkor. It was purchased from GC Rieber Shipping ASA as the Polar Queen and was built in 2011 as an offshore industry vessel, used most recently to construct offshore wind farms in Europe.
The new ship, renamed “Falkor (too)”, is 111m, and ice-rated to cover more of the globe, extending Schmidt Ocean Institute’s reach.