Colleagues:

 

NSF would like to inform the ocean research community, especially the sea-going Marine Geology and Geophysics (MG&G) scientists, that we have accepted an offer from Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (L-DEO) to purchase the NSF-owned Research Vessel Marcus G. Langseth.   This change in ownership means that Langseth will continue to operate as a critical asset in the U.S. Academic Research Fleet (ARF) through 2024.  It also provides the vessel operator greater flexibility to attract additional work through an expanded user base thereby potentially increasing overall vessel utilization. For over 65 years, L-DEO has been exemplary in its stewardship of geophysical research vessels starting with R/V Vema, and including Conrad, Ewing, and currently Langseth. L-DEO has leveraged their unique combination of multi-channel seismic instrumentation, multibeam mapping capability, and technical experience to address the critical research questions in earth science and have done so while continually evolving the instrumentation and acquisition strategy to enhance understanding of our planet’s geologic structure.  Langseth is more than just a platform for data collection.  The ship is a learning tool, a university educational facility that allows Earth Scientists to experience the hands-on aspects of their trade.  It helps nurture the development of the next generation of scientists through real-time at-sea data collection activities and fosters a devotion to science.  The new ownership model also ensures these essential educational aspects remain available to the community.

 

 

Best regards,

 

Terry Quinn

Director, Division of Ocean Sciences