Graduate School of Oceanography Dean, Bruce Corliss with Rhode Island Governor, Gina Raimondo. A segment of Resolution’s keel is in the background.
“The University of Rhode Island will continue to lead the way in oceanographic research, making our state a hub for scientific talent from across the globe.”Governor of Rhode Island, Gina M. Raimondo
Construction officially began on May 7th in Houma, Louisiana, on R/V Resolution, the new research ship bound for the University of Rhode Island Bay Campus that will support such scientific studies as the tracking of ocean currents, ocean-atmosphere interactions, climate-induced changes in the oceans, fish migration, seafloor surveys, conservation of marine mammals and the food-web dynamics in the deep ocean.
Operated by GSO with the East Coast Oceanographic Consortium (ECOC), Resolution will be the second in a series of Regional Class Research Vessels funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The Governor of Rhode Island, Gina M. Raimondo, joined officials from NSF, URI, ECOC, WHOI and Gulf Island Shipyards, LLC for the keel-laying ceremony, marking the start of fabrication.
During the ceremony, Gov. Raimondo, the ship’s ceremonial sponsor, inscribed her initials into the ship’s keel.
“As the climate continues to change worldwide, it is more important than ever before that we have a deep, thorough understanding of our oceans,” said Governor Raimondo. “With the arrival of the R/V Resolution, the University of Rhode Island will continue to lead the way in oceanographic research, making our state a hub for scientific talent from across the globe and preparing our students for the jobs of tomorrow. I’m honored to be part of this keel laying, and I’m already excited to see the Resolution in Narragansett Bay in 2022.”