College of Sciences Newsletter

Edition 4

May 1, 2001

 

UPDATE on the R/V Fay Slover:
 

Construction of R/V Slover is on schedule for a June 2002 delivery!

On   March 21, 2001, the construction "kickoff" meeting was held at the Gladding-Hearn Shipyard in Somerset, MA.  Tom Royer, Chairman of the Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Science Ship Committee, represented Old Dominion University.  Also attending were Roger Long, marine architect, John Koopman (Propulsion Data Services) construction designer, and Peter and John Duclos, who will supervise the building of
the vessel.

Discussions were held regarding any changes in the plans and
outfitting since the December contract signing.  Most changes involved
adjustments in the laboratory and living spaces such as moving sinks,
cabinets, bulkheads and bunks.  At this stage, the arrangements are to be made as flexible as possible since no one knows how the vessel will
be utilized over its entire lifetime. (For instance, the R/V Linwood Holton has served Old Dominion for thirty plus years.)  The ordering of materials is underway and Gladding-Hearn expects to begin cutting aluminum later this year with
the majority of the construction activity taking place in early 2002.

Briefly, the vessel is 55' in length, capable of carrying 8 scientists at a maximum speed of approximately 22 knots.  It will be equipped with standard oceanographic sampling gear and will be used to make measurements,
such as temperature, salinity, fluorescence and currents, while
underway.  It will be able to carry up to 40 students on day trips
in the Chesapeake Bay and nearshore waters.
 

DESCRIPTION OF THE R/V FAY SLOVER

LENGTH:  55'
BEAM:  17' 7D

DRAFT:  5 1/2'