During 49 years of service, the RV Endeavor has become a reference for marine research. marine research on the Atlantic coast. Operated by the University of Rhode Island (URI) Graduate School of Oceanography and owned by the National Science Foundation, this vessel has sailed more than one million nautical miles since its launch in 1975.
RV Endeavor’s legacy of exploration and scientific training.
Throughout its history, the Endeavor has enabled more than 700 scientific expeditions, facilitating key marine studies in 22 countries, from Iceland to Brazil. More than 8,000 scientists, technicians, students and professors have worked on board, participating in research ranging from ocean biodiversity to pollutant monitoring.
The last mission of the R/V Endeavor focused on analyzing the long-term impacts of hydrocarbon extraction and hydrocarbon extraction on marine ecosystems in the Atlantic. Past, present and potential oil production areas were studied, contributing to a better understanding of the environmental footprint of these activities on the seabed.
Transition to the future of marine research
Although retiring, Endeavor’s impact will continue through the data generated and the generations of researchers it trained. URI has announced that new technology initiatives and more modern vessels will take over to continue leading oceanographic research. oceanographic research in the region.
On the occasion of the retreat, the ship will open its doors to the public and the media on October 4 and 5, offering one last opportunity to get a close-up look at the space where so much pioneering research took place.
Source and photo: University of Rhode Island
