Update on Nathaniel B. Palmer 

The U.S. National Science Foundation proposed terminating the lease of the research vessel Nathaniel B. Palmer in the president's Fiscal Year 2026 budget request. The vessel is planned to be returned to the operator after a final cruise in October 2025.  

NSF plans to continue supporting the entire portfolio of marine cruise projects planned for the 2025-2026 field season, as well as Palmer Station, including using the U.S. Academic Research Fleet, supported by University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System operators.

The agency continues to pursue the development of a new Antarctic research vessel as part of a longer-term strategy for marine science and logistics support.