MBARI is excited to announce the construction of a new research ship, the R/V David Packard. This state-of-the-art vessel will expand and enhance our research, engineering development, and outreach efforts.
The new 50-meter research vessel will be named for MBARI’s founder, David Packard.
Our new ship will recognize his vision for fostering the next generation of groundbreaking science and technology and his legacy of ocean research, technology, and conservation.
MBARI has been working with Glosten on design of the new research vessel and has selected Freire Shipyard for construction of the R/V David Packard at its shipyard in Vigo, Spain.
The new ship will arrive at MBARI’s facilities in Moss Landing in 2023.
For more than 30 years, MBARI has revealed the diversity of deep-sea life and our technology innovations have provided insights into the ocean’s geological, ecological, and biogeochemical processes.
Our new ship will enable this work to continue in Monterey Bay and beyond.
The R/V David Packard will replace MBARI’s current flagship vessel, the R/V Western Flyer, which has been an integral part of our pioneering ocean research. We’ll retire the Western Flyer in fall 2022.
MBARI’s mission to explore and understand the ocean is more important than ever. We’re excited by the research opportunities the R/V David Packard will provide for our team.
