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Research Vessel Savannah Overview

Mar 19, 2025

Notes on the Research Vessel Savannah

Overview

  • Name: RV Savannah
  • Operated by: University of Georgia's Skidaway Institute of Oceanography
  • Membership: Part of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS)
  • Ideal for: Biological, chemical, physical, and geological studies in estuarine and continental shelf waters throughout the southeastern United States

Capabilities

  • Operational Range: From inshore waters to beyond the Gulf Stream
    • Range: Cape Hatteras to Northern Gulf of Mexico
  • Specifications:
    • Length: 92 feet
    • Beam: 27 feet
    • Displacement: ~300 tons
  • Engines: Twin Caterpillar diesel engines
    • Cruising Speed: Over 8 knots
  • Endurance: 2,400 miles or up to 10 days

Crew and Accommodation

  • Crew: 5 members
  • Science Party Capacity: Up to 16 for round-the-clock operations
  • Cabins:
    • Total: 5 cabins
    • Chief Scientist: Double berth on bridge level
    • Others: Two triples and two four-bunk cabins on lower deck
    • Amenities: Individual heating and air-conditioning, reading lights, privacy curtains
  • Facilities:
    • Full-service galley and mess
    • Cook on board for hot meal preparation
    • 4 heads for science party, 3 include showers

Research Facilities and Equipment

  • Deck Areas:
    • Open work decks for operations and equipment deployment
    • Fantail work area: 606 square feet
  • Navigation and Communication:
    • Equipped with state-of-the-art systems
    • Includes Sailor 500 fleet broadband, cellular phone, and VHF radio
  • Laboratories:
    • Dry Lab (308 sq ft): Climate controlled, lab shelving, benches, fume hood, freshwater sink, uninterrupted power supply
    • Wet Lab (158 sq ft): Shelving, bench space, refrigerator, freezer, uncontaminated seawater supply, freshwater sink
  • Instrumentation:
    • A-frame for trawls, instrument deployment, and geological sampling
    • J-frame for CTD casts and net tows
    • Palfinger marine crane for loading/unloading

Scientific Capabilities

  • CTD Profiler: Used for water column profiles and water sample collection at depths up to 600 meters
  • Sediment Sampling Equipment: Variety of equipment including single spade tube core and usnel box core
  • Nets: Available for biological trawls
  • Supporting Boat:
    • Rigid hull inflatable boat with 40 horsepower engine
    • Capacity of 1,200 pounds or 6 people

Additional Functions

  • Buoy Deployment:
    • Platforms for data and meteorological buoy deployment/retrieval
    • Tracks endangered North Atlantic right whales in real-time

Contact Information

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