OCEANXPLORER

The 87.1m/285’9″ research vessel OCEANXPLORER (ex.ALUCIA 2,VOLSTAD SURVEYOR) was built in 2010 by Freire Shipyard and was originally used as a deep sea survey vessel. She has naval architecture and exterior styling by Skipsteknisk (ST-Design). The 2018 conversion in the Netherlands involved UK-based Gresham Yacht Design, who provided input on her appearance and layout.

NOTABLE FEATURES OF OCEANXPLORER

• Submarine and helicopter hangars
• Scuba dive centre
• Cutting-edge dry and wet marine research labs
• State-of-the-art media centre
• Dedicated ROV bay
• Extensive cruising range for remote operations
• Air conditioning
• Wi-Fi

As the successor to 55.7m/182.7ft ALUCIA, OCEANXPLORER is designed be used for ocean research and an integral part of the Blue Planet documentary series produced by Ocean X along with BBC studios and filmmaker James Cameron.

EXTERIOR

The aft deck is fitted with a 40-ton A-frame and a 40-ton crane for the safe launch and retrieval of submersibles, equipment and other large vehicles.

The upper deck aft has room for loading and storing shipping containers 6m/20ft – 12m/40ft in length.

The foredeck is a sizeable helideck that has hangar storage underneath, ensuring that a helicopter is always available on board.

INTERIOR

The interiors have yet to be revealed by the shipyard.