Icebreaker Nathaniel B. Palmer, serving the National Science Foundation. |
|
| Career (US) | |
|---|---|
| Name: | RV Nathaniel B. Palmer |
| Namesake: | Nathaniel Palmer |
| Owner: | National Science Foundation |
| Operator: | Edison Chouest Offshore, Inc. |
| Builder: | Edison Chouest Offshore, Inc. |
| Yard number: | 137[1] |
| Launched: | 1992 |
| Identification: | IMO number: 9007257[1] MMSI Number: 200155768 |
| Status: | in service |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage: | GT 6174 |
| Length: | 93.9 m (308 ft) |
| Beam: | 18.3 m (60 ft) |
| Depth: | 9.1 m (30 ft) |
| Propulsion: |
Main propulsion: 12,720 hp (9,485 kW) |
| Endurance: | 75 days |
| Complement: | 72 |
| Crew: | 22 |
| Aircraft carried: | helicopter |
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.[2][3] 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.[2]
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.