The R/V Polar Duke - A new vessel for Antarctic research support

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has introduced a new vessel for polar research into the U.S. fleet. The R/V Polar Duke was originally designed and constructed for high-arctic expeditionary use in pack ice and all winter operation. In late 1984, the vessel was converted into a research ship for polar operations and is now operating in the vicinity of the Antarctic Peninsula. The 219 ft. (66.8m) vessel has been designed and outfitted as a multi-purpose and multidiscipline research ship. Besides two large permanent laboratories, the vessel carries four general purpose vans. Two of these vans are equipped as general purpose laboratories and two are for storage of research-related equipment. If at anytime a specially equipped van is needed, rather than one of the multi-purpose vans, an existing van can easily be removed and replaced by the specially equipped unit for that particular cruise.