The 110.6m offshore industry vessel Polar Queen is to be refitted into a philanthropic research vessel equipped with the “most sophisticated maritime technologies”.
Named Falkor (Too), the vessel, which most recently was used to build offshore wind farms, has been bought by the Schmidt Ocean Institute to expand its science research programme.
The institute’s existing research vessel, the 82.9m Falkor, has been in operation since 2012 during which time it has hosted more than 1,000 scientists who have mapped 1.25 million miles of the ocean floor during 80 expeditions.
The new ship, Falkor (Too), is currently begin refitted in Spain, with works due to be completed in 2022, after which it will begin a new science programme for the organisation.
Co-founder of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, Wendy Schmidt, said: “This new ship will build on Falkor's legacy, not only continuing but also expanding the remarkable discoveries and collaborative research made by Schmidt Ocean Institute and our science partners.
“With Falkor (Too), we will be able to host more scientists, conduct more research and explore more of our Ocean as we seek to advance our understanding and protection of one of our planet’s most valuable natural resources.”