RV Celtic Explorer explained

The Celtic Explorer is a multi-purpose research vessel operated by the Marine Institute in Galway, Ireland.^[1] It came into service in 2003 for use in fisheries acoustics research, oceanographic, hydrographic and geological as well as buoy/deep water mooring and ROV Operations. The vessel is long and has a capacity to accommodate 35 personnel of which 20-22 can be scientists.^[2] The vessel's base is the Port of Galway which is located on the west coast of Ireland and offers ready access to the Atlantic Ocean.

Capabilities

• Acoustically silent (ICES 209), which minimises fish avoidance and provides an ideal environment for the collection of high quality acoustic data
• Dynamic positioning
• Retractable drop keel for acoustic transducers and other instrumentation
• EM302, EM2040 & EM1002 multi-beams (reaching depths of up to 5000m)
• Large dry and wet laboratories
• A full complement of survey equipment and winches suitable for coring, trawling and drop camera operations
• Adapted to accommodate a variety of Remotely Operated Vehicles including the Deepwater ROV Holland I
• Maximum endurance of 35 day

Notes and References

1. Web site: Celtic Explorer Marine Institute . 2024-04-14 . www.marine.ie.
2. Web site: RV CELTIC EXPLORER . 2024-04-14 . Eurofleets - An alliance of European marine research infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of the research and industrial communities . en-GB.