Cal Poly Gets a New Marine Science Research Ship!

The research vessel, known as R/V North Wind, will replace the school’s current ship, which has given thousands of undergraduate and graduate students hands-on academic and seamanship experience since its purchase in 1998. The university will phase out the older vessel’s use by 2026. Over the years, students have collected and analyzed water and sediment samples, caught fish in deep ocean waters and learned the fundamentals of working on board a ship at sea, said Capt. Jim Long, who is captain of both vessels. The new vessel, an $8.5 million investment, can accommodate 40 students, faculty and crew on day trips as well as 14 people on multi-day research voyages, according to the college. The R/V North Wind will also be more fuel efficient and capable of traveling at faster speeds, allowing trips and exploration further at sea. 

“With a design that functions as both a laboratory and a floating classroom,” the university said, “the R/V North Wind will enhance the University’s ability to prepare students and train the next generation of marine scientists.” The R/V North Wind will also be more fuel efficient and capable of traveling at faster speeds, allowing trips and exploration further at sea.