A world-class research laboratory . . . on water.

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.

blueprint drawing close up

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.

Campus ramps up
scientist collects data

Built for Scientists

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

Fundamental capabilities
deck crane with NSF logo

Equipped for Oceanography

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

A look under the hood
Omand in ISC MC

Real Time, All the Time

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

The means to collaborate

Meet the Marine Operations team

Driven by a sense of adventure, the natural beauty of life at sea, and a commitment to advancing science, the Marine Ops team is responsible for operating and maintaining R/V Endeavor. Now, they are also preparing for R/V Narragansett Dawn

Ensuring the success of Scientific Missions

Webcams: Construction Updates

R/V Narragansett Dawn is under construction in Houma, Louisiana. Thanks to live webcams at the shipyard operated by Oregon State University, you can watch all the construction updates in real-time.

Watch live

News and Events

  • 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.