Research Vessel

DSSV Pressure Drop

Introducing Pressure Drop

DSSV Pressure Drop was built in 1985 in Tacoma, Washington. At 68.3 m / 224 ft in length, with accommodation for up to 47 persons, and with a 12 ton A-Frame fitted astern, she is the ideal platform from which to conduct scientific and research projects using a manned submersible.

The ship has a strong research pedigree. In 2002, NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Organization, acquired the vessel and converted it to a multiple-disciplinary platform capable of a broad range of missions. The ship conducted oceanographic research and assessments, throughout the eastern Pacific, including the U.S. West Coast, Central and South America.

In 2017, the Pressure Drop was acquired by Caladan Oceanic and a comprehensive refit program began. Focussed largely on the accommodation and science areas, the refit has transformed the vessel into a much more comfortable and capable scientific research ship.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Length 224' (68.28m)
Beam 43' (13.11m)
Draft 16' 4" (5m)
Gross Tonnage 1914 GT
Deadweight 750 t
Propulsion Diesel Electric
Engines 4x CAT 850hp Gensets
Range 15,000+ Nm
Top Speed 10 knots
Cruise Speed 9 knots
Accommodations Max 49 pax (26 cabins)
Crew 16 - 18 members
Year Built 1985
Refit 2013 / 2015 / 2018-19
Builder Tacoma B.B.
Flag Marshall Islands
Dry & Wet Science Labs
Command & Control Centre
Retractable Submersible Hangar
12ton A-Frame Launch & Recovery System
Kongsberg SIMRAD EM124 Multi-Beam Echo Sounder (MBES)
Kongsberg EA640 Echo Sounder

Gallery