Ship Operations Support

In 1993, Columbia University, Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory will operate the research vessel MAURICE EWING in support of NSF-funded scientific research. The EWING is a 230' general purpose research vessel with specialized capability in marine geology and geophysics. Although the vessel operates world wide, cruises in 1993 will only be in the Atlantic Ocean. Following a lay-up in early 1993 the EWING will support six projects from the North Atlantic and ultimately south to the Vema Fracture Zone in the South Atlantic. This vessel is part of a fleet used by the National Science Foundation in support of oceanographic research. Most oceanographic projects require highly specialized equipment and extensive support from the ship's crew members. Increasingly research projects require equipment which must be permanently installed on the vessel, thus requiring specialized vessels. These vessels do not operate the same as general cargo/fishing vessels, therefore NSF supports the operation of a variety of vessels specifically dedicated to oceanographic research that are operated by universities and research institutes around the country.