The research vessel RV Solander is the flagship of the Australian Institute of Marine Science’s field research program. The 34.9m vessel is a floating laboratory for marine scientists to carry out research in Australia’s remote tropical waters for up to 270 sea days a year, travelling as much as 25,000 nautical miles (46,000km).
RV Solander enables researchers to develop a comprehensive understanding of tropical marine biodiversity, oceanography and ecosystem functions across Australia’s north.
The Solander is one of AIMS’ two coastal research vessels – the only ships dedicated to marine research across Australia’s tropical waters between the coast and the edge of the continental shelf.
Step onboard RV Solander in a 360 tour!
Covering Australia’s tropical marine estate
The Solander’s ocean-going capabilities provide AIMS with access to remote sites across Australia’s tropical north. In any year the Solander steams to locations at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, across the Top End, and down to the southern Great Barrier Reef.
Researchers often work with the Traditional Owners of the Sea Country areas, using a two-way learning approach to foster meaningful exchanges of science knowledge and local capacity-building initiatives.
State-of-the-art technology
The Solander deploys advanced technology such as a state-of-the-art multibeam echosounder, to produce 3D maps of large areas of Australia’s uncharted seabed. It’s on-board research capabilities enable AIMS scientists to:
• monitor and assess corals and marine life in ecologically critical locations
• map the seabed and ocean currents
• study coral resilience
• develop reef adaptation and restoration techniques and more.
The Solander has a range of 2,700 nautical miles, and conducts about 26 research cruises a year, each lasting between 7 and 21 days. The vessel can accommodate 12 scientists and is crewed by a team experienced in scientific support.
Equipped with a suite of research facilities, including laboratories and deck equipment for deploying high tech instruments, the Solander undertakes the science necessary to protect Australia’s tropical oceans and support the sustainability of marine industries underpinning our “Blue Economy”.
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RV SOLANDER BY NUMBERS:
Owner Australian Institute of Marine Science
Builder Tenix Defence, Henderson, WA
Year built 2007
Hull Steel
Classification ABS A1 AMS
Length (oa) 34.9 metres
Beam 8.6 metres
Draft 2.8 metres
Displacement 415 tonnes
Service speed 11 knots
Range 2,700 nautical miles
Complement 18 people
Endurance 21 days
Main Machinery
Main engines
2 x Cummins KTA19 M3
Auxiliary engines
2 x Cummins 6C-CP
Propulsion
2 x controllable pitch propellers
Bow thruster
Keypower KP22
Navigation Equipment
Radars 2 x Furuno 1964C-BB
Sounder Furuno ETR-30N
Sonar Furuno CH 250
GPS Furuno GP-37
POS POS MV OceanMaster
Communication Equipment
Satellite communication Inmarsat C, Fleet 77, Fleet 33
Mobile phone 3G – voice, fax, data and e-mail
Computing Facilities
On-board server, LAN and wireless networks
Deck Equipment
Work winch
4 tonne capacity
A-frame
8 tonne capacity
Hydrographic winch
350 kilogram capacity
CTD winch
Livewire - carousel
Deck crane
Palfinger PKM 120
Capstans
2 x 2 tonne
Auxillary vessels
2 x 5.5m and 1 x 4.6m Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs)
Dive compressor
Bauer KAP 150 with Nuvair LP 560 providing Nitrox
Laboratory Equipment
Moon pool
600 mm x 600 mm
Fume hood
Dynaflow 1000
Lab and Deck Space
Dry lab area
Approx 20.6 m²
Wet lab area
Approx 12.5 m²
Scientific freezer
Approx 6.5 m³
Scientific office
Approx 9.4 m²
Back deck area
Approx 70 m² (provision for half shipping container)
