New Antarctic Research Vessel (ARV)
Planning for the Next Generation of Oceanographic Research Vessel
What's New?
Sep 28, 2023
Request for Information: Antarctic Research Vessel (ARV) Integrator, Draft Solicitation Release
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is pleased to release a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for its ARV Integrator.
Aug 21, 2023
New Antarctic Research Vessel Delivers State-of-the-Art Capability
The U.S. National Science Foundation teams up with Leidos and subsidiaries to hold a Preliminary Design Review for the next generation of Antarctic research vessel.
Jul 5, 2023
Antarctic Research Vessel Integrator Industry Day
This Special Notice is to provide awareness and opportunity to attend an NSF-hosted Industry Day for the Antarctic Research Vessel (ARV) Integrator requirement.
Recent Updates
- November 14, 2023 - Community Input: Added DR #5 report to SASC Reports
- Oct 23, 2023 - Documents Library: Sections were rearranged and many documents were updated to the latest revisions
- August 10, 2023 - Documents Library: Added Over-the-Side Operations Powerpoint in Preliminary Design
- June 30, 2023 - Who We Are: Staffing updates
- May 25, 2023 - Community Input: Membership list updated
Introduction and Overview
Current rendering of the new Antarctic Research Vessel
Credit: NSF, illustrated by Gibbs & Cox, a Leidos Company
Welcome to the new Future USAP Antarctic Research Vessel (ARV) pages. Here you will learn about the U.S. National Science Foundation's new Antarctic Research Vessel that, if funded, is expected to be delivered by mid-2031. This information will guide you through frequently asked questions, the current preliminary vessel design, expected vessel capabilities, and much more.
Purpose of the ARV Project
This project is dependent on funding approvals from the NSF Director, and the National Science Board, and appropriations from Congress. The ARV project will produce a modern, world-class, ice-breaking research vessel coupled with modern scientific tools and enhanced capabilities compared to those of the RVIB Nathaniel B. Palmer (NBP). The ARV will ensure uninterrupted science operation in the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic for decades to come. The new research vessel will support the National Science Foundation's science mission goals by increasing access to ice protected hard-to-reach study sites, allowing for longer mission durations, and delivering more scientists and equipment to the Antarctic theatre.
High-Level Description of Vessel Capabilities
The table below shows the key performance parameters for the Project (KPP)
| Parameter | Requirement | Threshold Value |
|---|---|---|
| Icebreaking | The capability to independantly break ice | ≥4.5 feet @ ≥3 knots |
| Meet requirements for Polar Code notation | Polar Code PC3 | |
| Endurance | Maximum endurance without replenishment | ≥90 days underway |
| Science and Technical Personnel | Provisions for berthing, messing, sanitation, and scientific workspaces | Crew and ≥55 science and technical personnel |
Project Schedule and Timeline
Figure: Project Timeline for the Antarctic Research Vessel (ARV) Replacement Project
An in-depth explanation of the three design phases: Conceptual, Preliminary, and Final can be found in the NSF Research Infrastructure Guide (RIG) - December 2021 (NSF 21-107).