Nathaniel B. Palmer (icebreaker)
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The Nathaniel B. Palmer is an ice-capable research ship in the service of the U.S. National Science Foundation. It is tasked with extended scientific missions in the Antarctic. The vessel carries a helicopter and about four dozen scientists on expeditions that last for months.
The vessel is named after Nathaniel Palmer, the first American credited with sighting Antarctica. The vessel was purpose-built for the NSF by Edison Chouest Offshore, and was launched in 1992. Edison Chouest continues to own and operate the Palmer, but it is chartered by the NSF.
| Length | 93.9 meters |
| Breadth | 18.3 meters |
| Depth | 9.1 meters |
| Main propulsion | 12,720 hp |
| Bow Thruster | 1400 HP |
| Stern Thruster | 800 HP |
| Endurance | 75 days |
| Crew Complement | 22 |
| Total Complement | 72 |
