UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography issued a request for proposals (RFP) to select a shipyard for the final design and construction of its new 163-ft. Coastal Class Research Vessel (CCRV),
UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography issued a request for proposals (RFP) to select a shipyard for the final design and construction of its new 163-ft. Coastal Class Research Vessel (CCRV), reportedly the first oceanographic research ship to primarily operate on renewable fuels.
The vessel will feature a dual-powered hydrogen fuel cell and diesel-electric propulsion system, capable of conducting 75% of its missions using only liquid hydrogen. When running on hydrogen, CCRV will produce zero emissions and operate with minimal noise, ensuring contamination-free sampling and enhanced performance of its underwater acoustic sensors.
“This solicitation marks a major milestone following extensive engineering and design efforts by our team,” said Bruce Appelgate, associate director at Scripps Oceanography, who oversees ship operations.
The vessel’s preliminary design was approved by the American Bureau of Shipping in June 2024, followed by U.S. Coast Guard approval in November—confirming it meets safety and technical standards for zero-emission hydrogen propulsion. CCRV aligns with California’s climate action goals, supporting the state’s commitment to reducing air pollution and advancing a carbon-neutral economy.
Dedicated to California-based research, CCRV will support scientific missions to study marine ecosystems, ocean acidification, sea-level rise, severe El Niño events, harmful algal blooms, and other critical
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