Multidisciplinary research vessel deployed for coastal and oceanographic research.
RESEARCH VESSEL SIMON STEVIN
The Research Vessel Simon Stevin of VLIZ is a multidisciplinary research vessel deployed for coastal and oceanographic research in the Southern Bight of the North Sea and the eastern part of the English Channel.
The ship – with a length of 36m, a beam of 9.4m and a draught of 3.5m – meets the requirements of the various marine research disciplines, and is equipped with all standard sampling equipment as well as sophisticated sonar technology for flow measurements (acoustic current meter) and soil characterisation (multibeam). Highly accurate navigation is ensured by means of a dynamic positioning system. A diesel electric drive unit makes it possible to sail as a ‘silent ship’ so that all acoustic measuring instruments can be used optimally.
The ship supports a wide range of marine scientific research. Marine research in Flanders is conducted at universities and scientific institutions and is multidisciplinary, ranging from physical oceanography, fisheries research, marine biology, microbiology, chemistry, technology and archaeology to earth sciences. It also serves as a training platform for students from marine sciences as well as maritime training courses, and as a testing platform for new technologies.
RV Simon Stevin is based at Ostend, it is moored at the quay of Post Foxtrot.
In operation since: 2012
Access & costs: The RV Simon Stevin can be requested for a time at sea using this request form, when allowed by its sailing schedule. It is asked to the scientists who make use of the VLIZ marine scientific infrastructures, such as the RV Simon Stevin, to refer to this in their publications.
Website: www.vliz.be/en/rv-simon-stevin
Contacts:
- Scientific operations or sailing schedules: André Cattrijsse, VLIZ – andre.cattrijsse@vliz.be
- Technical matters: infrastructure@vliz.be
Photo credits: VLIZ (Soenen, Verhaeghe & C°).