Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

RV Atlantis

RV Atlantis is a Navy-owned oceanographic research vessel operated by the (WHOI) since its delivery in 1997, specifically designed to support the human-occupied alongside broad marine science investigations in , , and . She is the fourth ship of the Thomas G. Thompson-class research vessels. Measuring 274 feet (83.5 meters) in length with a beam of 52.5 feet (16 meters) and a draft of 19 feet (5.8 meters), the vessel displaces 3,510 long tons and features diesel-electric propulsion with azimuthing stern thrusters, enabling a cruising speed of 11 knots and an endurance of 60 days at sea. Laid down in 1994, launched in 1996, and delivered in 1997 by Halter Marine in , and outfitted to support Alvin operations from delivery, RV Atlantis (hull number AGOR-25) honors WHOI's inaugural research ship of the same name, a 142-foot ketch-rigged that conducted 299 cruises and logged over 700,000 nautical miles from to 1964. As the only U.S. engineered to routinely deploy and recover the , it plays a pivotal role in , including studies of hydrothermal vents, underwater volcanoes, and seafloor ecosystems, often in the but with global operational capability. The ship accommodates 22 crew members and up to 34 scientists on non- cruises (or 24 on missions), with 3,517 square feet of space across six wet and dry labs, a , and facilities for six 20-foot portable vans. Its scientific suite includes seafloor-mapping multibeam , three oceanographic winches capable of deploying cables up to 33,000 feet, two 42,000-pound-capacity cranes, systems, and communications for real-time data transmission. Following a 2021 refurbishment, her service life was extended by 25 years and she remains operational as of 2025. These features enable RV Atlantis to support multidisciplinary expeditions, contributing to advancements in ocean science through collaborations within the University-National Oceanographic .

Construction and Specifications

Design and Features

The RV Atlantis was designed as a versatile oceanographic research vessel to support the Alvin human-occupied vehicle (HOV) and broader multidisciplinary investigations in marine biology, geology, and physical oceanography. It is owned by the United States Navy (hull number AGOR-25) and chartered to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) through the Office of Naval Research. The vessel measures 274 feet (83.5 meters) in length, with a beam of 52.5 feet (16 meters) and a draft of 19 feet (5.8 meters), displacing 3,510 long tons (3,200 gross tons). Powered by diesel-electric with two azimuthing and a 825 kW deployable bow , Atlantis achieves a cruising speed of 11 knots and an endurance of 60 days at sea, with a range of 17,280 nautical miles. Ship service is provided by four generators (two at 2,100 kW and two at 940 kW). The design includes specialized hangars for the submersible and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), systems for precise station-keeping, and seafloor-mapping multibeam sonar. Scientific facilities encompass 3,517 square feet of space across six wet and dry labs, a , and accommodations for at least six 20-foot portable vans. Deployable equipment includes three oceanographic es (one traction winch for 30,000 feet of or 9/16-inch wire, and two hydrographic winches for 33,000 feet of electromechanical or 1/4-inch wire), two 42,000-pound-capacity HIAB cranes, and two midships booms. Additional features comprise acoustic systems, profilers, sampling gear (including Sea-Bird thermosalinograph, CTD , and XBT probes), meteorological sensors, two rigid-hull inflatable boats, and an Envirovac sewage treatment system. Satellite communications enable real-time data transmission. The vessel berths 22 crew members and 24 scientists on missions (or up to 34 on non-Alvin cruises), with a capacity of 267,540 gallons.

Building and Launch

Construction of RV Atlantis began in 1992 at Halter Marine in , as part of a U.S. program to build three similar research vessels (sister ships include RV Thomas G. Thompson and RV ). The design emphasized support for deep-submergence operations, particularly for the HOV, with modifications completed in 1997 prior to delivery. The vessel was delivered to WHOI in April 1997 and entered service shortly thereafter, named in honor of the institution's original research ship Atlantis (1931–1966). It underwent final outfitting for oceanographic missions and commenced operations as WHOI's primary platform for submersible-supported expeditions.

Woods Hole Service

Operational Overview

The modern RV Atlantis (AGOR-25) has been operated by the (WHOI) since its delivery in April 1997, serving as the primary support vessel for the human-occupied vehicle (HOV) and conducting broad oceanographic research worldwide. Designed for deep-submergence operations, it routinely deploys for dives up to 6,500 meters (as of its 2023 upgrade) while accommodating multidisciplinary studies in , , chemistry, and physical oceanography. Primary operational areas include the for and volcanic research, but it has global capability, with cruises lasting up to 60 days and home port at . The vessel supports 22 crew members, 11 technicians, and up to 24 scientists (including operations personnel), with facilities including six laboratories (3,517 square feet total), a , dynamic positioning systems, multibeam for seafloor mapping, three oceanographic winches (up to 33,000 feet), and two heavy-lift cranes. It operates within the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory (UNOLS), enabling collaborations across U.S. academic institutions, and features satellite communications for sharing. As of November 2025, Atlantis continues active service, with recent maintenance ensuring reliability for extreme deep-sea missions.

Notable Expeditions and Discoveries

Since 1997, RV Atlantis has facilitated hundreds of expeditions, primarily supporting dives that have advanced understanding of deep-sea ecosystems and geological processes. A landmark achievement was the 2000 expedition to the , where dives from Atlantis discovered the —a unique, serpentinization-driven vent system at 30°N, featuring towering carbonate chimneys up to 60 meters high and novel microbial communities thriving in high-pH, methane-rich fluids. This off-axis site, unlike typical black-smoker vents, provided new insights into life's origins and subsurface habitability. In 2002, Atlantis led a twelve-day cruise to the Galápagos Rift, marking the 25th anniversary of hydrothermal vent discovery, where scientists used Alvin and remotely operated vehicles to map vent fields, sample chemosynthetic organisms, and study microbial diversity, contributing to long-term monitoring of seafloor ecosystems amid volcanic activity. More recently, in 2024, Atlantis supported Alvin and autonomous vehicles on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge for dives exploring Earth's inner space, including hydrothermal systems and seafloor habitats, yielding data on tectonic processes and biodiversity. In June–July 2025, it conducted a 17-day expedition characterizing high-priority seafloor habitats, enhancing ocean exploration and conservation efforts. Over its nearly 30-year tenure as of 2025, Atlantis has enabled over 1,000 Alvin dives from its deck, logging extensive nautical mileage and generating datasets that underpin advancements in deep-ocean science, from vent to .

Argentine Service

Transfer and Early Use

In 1966, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution sold the RV Atlantis to Argentina's National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) for a base price of $3,000. Upon arrival in , the vessel was renamed El Austral and placed under the operational control of the , where it served as ARA El Austral (Q-47). The ship underwent refurbishment to adapt it for continued research duties, including minor modifications suitable for operations in warmer waters, while preserving its original rig and onboard laboratories. From 1966 to 1996, El Austral conducted oceanographic surveys along the Argentine coast and in the South Atlantic, supporting naval efforts and fisheries in collaboration with institutions like CONICET. Crewed by Argentine naval personnel, it integrated into the nation's scientific framework by facilitating data collection for bodies such as the Hydrographic Service. Key early missions included mapping the Patagonian , as evidenced by ichthyoplankton sampling off in 1993, and monitoring conditions in approaches through broader Southwest Atlantic cruises. These activities contributed to understanding regional marine ecosystems and resource distribution, with the vessel logging extensive mileage in support of multidisciplinary studies. In 1996, El Austral was transferred from CONICET to the (PNA) and renamed PNA Dr. Bernardo Houssay (MOV-1) in honor of the Nobel laureate physiologist. Under PNA operation, the vessel shifted emphasis toward , including chlorophyll evaluations and surface salinity measurements along the Patagonian shelf to assess and variability. This transition marked the beginning of its role in routine coastal and offshore surveillance, building on its hydrographic legacy without major structural alterations at the time.

Refurbishment and Modern Role

In 2005, following its transfer to the (Prefectura Naval Argentina, or PNA) in 1996 and initial operations as the PNA Dr. (MOV-1), the vessel underwent a comprehensive refurbishment at the Tandanor in as part of the CINAR complex. This multi-year overhaul, lasting over three years until approximately 2008, involved the replacement of key structural and mechanical components, including new bow and stern hull sections, modern diesel engines and generators to replace the original MTU systems, updated electrical panels, piping, , and , while preserving original 1931 elements such as the . Electronics were modernized with new cabling and systems, and dedicated spaces were added, including a equipped with , a , a continuous water flow system, an oceanographic , a 2000-meter for deep-sea sampling, and nets; the draft was also reduced by 120 cm for improved stability and accessibility. The refurbished vessel, commissioned into active PNA service around 2008 as a hybrid of its historic design and contemporary capabilities, measures 43.51 in length with a of 8.56 and accommodates up to 20 members, 30 scientists, and 33 trainees for sail training missions. It achieves speeds of 10 knots under sail and 8 knots with auxiliary motor power, enabling extended operations with enhanced endurance. Under PNA command, the Dr. Bernardo Houssay serves as a multi-mission platform primarily for oceanographic research, including geophysical and biological surveys, while supporting secondary roles in environmental pollution monitoring, search-and-rescue operations, and Antarctic logistics. Recent activities include a 2025 campaign in the South Atlantic focused on environmental studies and data collection for marine biodiversity and ocean dynamics. It has participated in Antarctic expeditions, such as the 2014 campaign studying southern ocean waters and ecosystems. The ship's legacy as the former RV Atlantis is preserved through its pre-refurbishment service record of over 700,000 nautical miles across 299 cruises. This enduring vessel continues to facilitate international scientific collaborations, contributing to regional marine research initiatives.

References

  1. [1]
    R/V Atlantis - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    The Institution's flagship and symbol was the first American ship built specifically for research in marine biology, marine geology, and physical oceanography.Where is Atlantis Now? · Specifications · Diagrams · Winches & Wires
  2. [2]
    Specifications - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Specifications ; Gross Tons: 3,200 T ; Endurance: 60 days ; Fuel Capacity: 267,540 gal. ; Propulsion: (x2) Diesel-electric, azimuthing stern thrusters ; Bow Thruster ...
  3. [3]
    R/V Atlantis | U.S. Geological Survey - USGS.gov
    The Research Vessel Atlantis is owned by the Navy and operated by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The vessel is specifically designed for the launch and ...
  4. [4]
    R/V Atlantis, 1931-1964 - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Atlantis was the first Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution research vessel and the first ship built specifically for interdisciplinary research in marine ...Missing: design specifications
  5. [5]
    Atlantis, 1931-1963 | MBLWHOI Library Archives
    Atlantis was the first Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution research vessel ... Designed by Owen and Minot specifically for WHOI; Length: 143' 6"; Beam: 29 ...Missing: features | Show results with:features
  6. [6]
    Atlantis (1931 to 1964) | WHOI Data Library and Archives
    Atlantis (1931 to 1964) ; Length: 143' 6" ; Beam: 29' ; Displacement: 298 tons ; Draft: 18' ; Range: 4000 mi.Missing: specifications features
  7. [7]
    NEW ATLANTIS OUT FOR STUDY OF OCEAN; Research Ship Built ...
    It is 142 feet 6 inches long, 28 feet beam and 16 feet draft with a depth of 22 feet and a displacement of about 410 tons. It has an all-inboard sail spread of ...
  8. [8]
    The U. S. Oceanographic Fleet | Proceedings - July 1963 Vol. 89/7/725
    Atlantis II, operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, is 209 feet 9 inches in over-all length, with a beam of 44 feet, and a 16-foot draft. Her ...
  9. [9]
    [PDF] Underwater acoustics research at the Woods Hole Oceanographic ...
    Jun 23, 2016 · But aside from a newfangled “sonic sounding machine” (fathometer) aboard the R/V Atlantis [1], the research fare didn't have much to do with ...Missing: engine | Show results with:engine
  10. [10]
    [PDF] Questions about the oceans - NOAA Central Library
    ATLANTIS. The ATLANTIS, designed and built for the Woods Hole Oceano- graphic Institution in 1931, sailed about one million miles in some 30.<|separator|>
  11. [11]
    History & Legacy - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    WHOI's two Global Class research vessels, R/V Knorr and Atlantis are both operated by the Institution on behalf of the Navy, which paid for their construction.Missing: cost | Show results with:cost
  12. [12]
    R/V Atlantis under construction at Burmeister & Wain shipyard.
    Dec 14, 2005 · The keel was laid in October, 1930, the ship was launched on December 31, and it arrived in Woods Hole on August 31, 1931 to begin its career as ...
  13. [13]
    Under Construction - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    The original research vessel Atlantis, seen here under construction in Copenhagen, was something of a novelty for its designers, naval architects Owen ...
  14. [14]
    Ninety years ago, the first R/V Atlantis (and the first purpose-built ...
    Jun 21, 2021 · Ninety years ago, the first R/V Atlantis (and the first purpose-built US research ship) was undergoing sea trials in the sound between Denmark and Sweden.Missing: 1931 voyage commissioning captain
  15. [15]
    [PDF] Columbus Iselin - Biographical Memoirs
    Columbus brought the "Atlantis" safely from Denmark in. July 1931, doing some station work along the way under the tutelage of Franz Zorell of the Deutsche ...Missing: commissioning ceremony
  16. [16]
    The Original - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Atlantis was the first open-ocean research vessel operated by WHOI, and the ... Columbus Iselin, the ship's original captain and an influence on the ...Missing: 1931 commissioning ceremony
  17. [17]
    [PDF] Woods Hole in World War II
    During WWII, Woods Hole became inaccessible to civilians, with gun emplacements, and the town was dark and deserted. The Navy slowly recognized the WHOI's ...
  18. [18]
    History of WHOI Ships – Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    In 1966, Atlantis was sold to Argentina, refurbished, and renamed El Austral. It is used as a research vessel and is crewed by Argentine naval personnel.
  19. [19]
    [PDF] The Rise of Oceanography in the United States, 1900-1940
    Henry Bigelow and His Oceanographic Research at the Gulf of Maine. It would ... With Atlantis, Bigelow wanted to continue his Gulf of Maine study first ...
  20. [20]
    Bigelow, Henry Bryant (9) = hen91152.htm
    Aboard the Institution's research vessel Atlantis, Bigelow and others studied the biology and chemistry of this region. Bigelow's early surveys showed that ...
  21. [21]
    Columbus O'Donnell Iselin papers | MBLWHOI Library Archives
    ... Iselin and the scientists he guided was his most direct contribution to physical oceanography. He published four classic papers between 1936 and 1948 ...
  22. [22]
    Columbus O'Donnell Iselin | Biographical Memoirs: Volume 64
    Columbus Iselin, owner and skipper, was the son of a wealthy banking family much involved in the activities of the New York Yacht Club and a graduate of St.Missing: collaboration | Show results with:collaboration
  23. [23]
    Developing the theory [This Dynamic Earth, USGS]
    Jul 11, 2025 · The Mid-Ocean Ridge [70 k]​​ In 1947, seismologists on the U.S. research ship Atlantis found that the sediment layer on the floor of the Atlantic ...Missing: geophysical cruises
  24. [24]
    History of WHOI Ships – Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Atlantis, 1931-1964​​ Atlantis was the first Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution research vessel and the first ship built specifically for interdisciplinary ...
  25. [25]
    ARGENTINA BUYS WOODS HOLE SHIP; Atlantis to Sail About ...
    The vessel, to be renamed El Austral when she is recommissioned for her voyage to Buenos Aires, has been replaced principally by the Woods Hole Oceanographic ...Missing: RV Navy
  26. [26]
    [PDF] ioc-iho/gebco scufn-25
    Oct 27, 2012 · The sailing vessel El AUSTRAL served with the Navy. Hydrographic Service and carried out many scientific cruises in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean ...
  27. [27]
    Ichthyoplankton spatial pattern in the inner shelf off Bahía Blanca ...
    ... Sampling survey. Sampling was carried out during the AU-02/93 oceanographic survey aboard the Argentine vessel “El Austral” on November 1–4, 1993.
  28. [28]
    Marine Biodiversity in the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts of South America
    ... research capacities were carried out by the R/V Academik Knipovich (1967), the R/V Almirante Saldanha (1966), the R/V Atlantis II, (1971), the R/V El Austral ...
  29. [29]
    [PDF] Ocean and Coastal Research - SciELO
    Aug 20, 2020 · PNA Dr. Bernardo Houssay (N = 16). Page 3. Evaluation of chlorophyll ... Environmental or monitoring studies can be performed.
  30. [30]
    [PDF] United States Ocean Sciences Meeting Mar del Plata, Argentina ...
    5) Efforts by NOAA and the Argentine Prefectura Naval (PNA) to jointly monitor surface salinity from the Argentine ship Dr. Bernardo Houssay (formerly the R/V.
  31. [31]
    Buque Oceanográfico Dr. B. Houssay – TANDANOR
    El Buque oceanográfico Dr. Bernardo Houssay fue reconstruido, modernizado y rediseñado completamente en los talleres de CINAR.
  32. [32]
    Motovelero oceanográfico - Argentina.gob.ar
    El “Dr. Bernardo Houssay", ex “El Austral”, ex "Atlantis" es un buque de investigación científica que representa a la Prefectura Naval Argentina.
  33. [33]
    El motovelero “Dr. Bernardo Houssay” inicia una nueva campaña ...
    Oct 20, 2025 · El motovelero oceanográfico Dr. Bernardo Houssay de la Prefectura Naval Argentina zarpó hoy hacia una nueva campaña de investigación ...
  34. [34]
    Campaña antártica 2014 del motovelero oceanográfico Dr Bernardo ...
    Dec 4, 2014 · ... PNA que se abocaron al estudio de las aguas y de ... Campaña antártica 2014 del motovelero oceanográfico Dr Bernardo Houssay de Prefectura.
  35. [35]
    Retirement of Research Vessel Atlantis II Marks the End of An Era
    Atlantis II was built by the Maryland Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Baltimore, MD, under a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation and ...Missing: construction cost endowment