The Advent of Regional Class Research Vessel Narragansett Dawn

For anyone arriving at URI’s Narragansett Bay Campus, a 200-foot ship moored at the pier is an awesome sight. For scientists and oceanographers the world over, however, seeing the ship signifies that they’ve arrived at a unique place, a place where—at the leading edge of inquiry—ocean science, collaboration and research intersect. GSO’s next-generation RCRV, Narragansett Dawn, will bring new technologies, greater capabilities, and course-altering discoveries.

Science by Design

The National Science Foundation and the academic community team up to reinvent RCRVs.

Answering Big Questions

Ship Construction

Down on the bayou, 45 miles west-southwest of New Orleans, sparks fly as steel is cut and welded.

A Ship Is Born

Shoreside Preparations

In Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay, home port is prepared with new facilities and buildings.

The Campus Ramps Up

Built for Scientists

Narragansett Dawn is built to enable the fundamental and essential operations of oceanographic research.

Fundamental Capabilities

Equipped for Oceanography

What turns a ship into an oceanographic research vessel? Standard equipment. And plenty of it.

A Look Under the Hood

Real Time, All the Time

Virtually from anywhere, researchers utilize imaging and communications technologies to participate.

The Means to Collaborate

Securing the Funds

Ideas for a new class of research vessels took shape more than twenty years ago. To get “the green light” for design and construction, contributions from many people at the National Science Foundation and in the broader oceanographic community would be needed.

An Insider’s Tale

News and Events

URI announces name of the new RCRV: Narragansett Dawn (6/16/21 on URI Today)
Keel-laying marks start of construction. (5/8/19 on URI Today)
Retired Admiral Richard West speaks out in The Providence Journal. (7/24/18)
URI-led consortium to operate NSF’s second new RCRV. (7/12/18 on URI Today)
East Coast Oceanographic Consortium founded. (4/16/18 on URI Today)