The maritime world is abuzz with the news that UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography has thrown down the gauntlet, issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for a shipyard to design and construct its groundbreaking 163-ft. Coastal Class Research Vessel (CCRV). This isn’t just any research vessel; it’s poised to be the first of its kind to primarily run on renewable fuels, setting a new standard for oceanographic research. The CCRV is designed to be a dual-powered marvel, equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell and diesel-electric propulsion system. This setup allows it to conduct 75% of its missions using liquid hydrogen, producing zero emissions and minimal noise—a game-changer for contamination-free sampling and acoustic sensor performance.
The CCRV is not just a technological marvel; it’s a political statement. It aligns perfectly with California’s climate action goals, supporting the state’s push for a carbon-neutral economy. Bruce Appelgate, associate director at Scripps Oceanography, who oversees ship operations, emphasized the significance of this milestone. “This solicitation marks a major milestone following extensive engineering and design efforts by our team,” he said. The vessel’s preliminary design has already been approved by the American Bureau of Shipping and the U.S. Coast Guard, confirming it meets safety and technical standards for zero-emission hydrogen propulsion.
The CCRV isn’t just about reducing emissions; it’s about advancing marine research. Dedicated to California-based research, the vessel will support scientific missions to study marine ecosystems, ocean acidification, sea-level rise, severe El Niño events, harmful algal blooms, and other critical environmental changes. It will replace the R/V Robert Gordon Sproul, which has served University of California students for 43 years and is nearing the end of its operational life. Once delivered, the CCRV will join the U.S. Academic Research Fleet, supporting hundreds of scientists and students each year while advancing marine research and environmental stewardship.
Appelgate highlighted the vessel’s cutting-edge technologies, from its hull design to intelligent hybrid power controls, making it a game-changer in oceanographic research. “Our goal is to provide scientists and students with the most capable platform possible for advancing ocean science,” he added. This isn’t just about building a ship; it’s about building the future of maritime research.
The RFP process is already underway, with shipyards interested in submitting proposals able to contact Lynda Ta or Gary Oshima. Proposals will be accepted through May 9, 2025, with a final selection expected by June 20, 2025. The funding for this ambitious project comes from the State of California, the U.S. Office of Naval Research, and the Department of Energy, as part of the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES), California’s clean hydrogen initiative.
This development is more than just a step forward for Scripps; it’s a leap forward for the entire maritime industry. The CCRV is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets sustainability. It challenges the norms of traditional maritime design and operations, pushing the industry towards a greener, quieter future. The success of this project could inspire similar initiatives worldwide, accelerating the adoption of renewable fuels in maritime research and beyond. As the industry watches and waits, one thing is clear: the future of oceanographic research is about to get a whole lot greener.