Global Class SMR Update Project

Table of Contents

• Project Background and Task Statement
• Committee Membership
• Reference Materials
• Project Updates, Meetings, and Documents

Project Background and Task Statement

Over the past couple of years, UNOLS has drafted Science Mission Requirements (SMRs) for two new classes of vessels that were outlined in the Federal Oceanographic Facilities Committee (FOFC) report, A long-Range Plan for Renewal.  These SMRs were for Regional Class and Ocean Class vessels.  The final documents are posted on the UNOLS website here. 

In the next five to ten years, several of the present Global Class ships will reach the age where mid-life refits normally occur.  The SMRs for this class of vessels were originally drafted in 1989.  Since that time, there have been several advances in oceanographic research as well as technology developments that affect the desired capabilities for these vessels.  One example is meeting the needs of the future ocean observatory programs.  Additionally, SMRs will need to address regulatory constraints that have been implemented in recent years.  Thus, the UNOLS Fleet Improvement Committee (FIC) believes it is time to update the Global Class SMRs.  The FIC has recommended that the model used to develop the Regional and Ocean Classes SMRs be followed for the Global SMR effort.  Additionally, the Ocean Class SMR document should be used as a template in drafting the Global SMRs. 

The first Global ship slated for a mid-life refit is the Thomas Thompson in 2006.  We would like to be able to make the updates SMRs available in time to plan for the ship's refit.

The SMRs should be general-purpose requirements applicable for all Global Class ships.  Any additions or modifications required for specialized Global Class vessels (e.g., the seismic vessel, HOV support vessel or heavy-lift capable vessel) should be placed in appendices of the report.

Draft Task Statement: (updated 1/28/05)

• Establish a project timeline.
• Review the past SMRs and other documentation to form the basis of the new/revised SMRs.
• Use recent experience and comments to define methods for getting broad community input including a survey of the community for future ship needs.
• Identify any workshop/meeting/internet conferencing needs and essential participants, eventually including Naval architect input. Funding will be requested, as appropriate, through the UNOLS Office.
• Develop mission scenarios.
• Draft a set of requirements and desired capabilities. Wherever possible, requirements involving numerical data points should be expressed in ranges rather than discrete values. The format of the SMR document should be consistent with the Ocean Class and Regional Class SMR documents.
• Update progress through UNOLS website. Post the draft SMR document on site.
• Solicit input and feedback from the larger science and operator community
• Produce a SMR document for review and approval by UNOLS.
• As a follow-on activity incorporate Heavy Lift considerations, and Seismic Capabilities into appendices, as noted above.

Committee Membership

• Bruce Howe (UW), Chair
• Tom Althouse (SIO)
• Jim Broda (WHOI)
• Bob Embley (NOAA/PMEL)
• Ken Johnson (MBARI)
• Paul Ljunggren (LDEO)
• Dan Schwartz (UW)
• Niall Slowey (TAMU)
• Al Suchy (WHOI)
• Woody Sutherland (SIO)
• Randy Watts (URI)
• Patricia Wheeler (OSU)

Reference Material

• Global SMR Values
• UNOLS SMR Documents
• Lessons Learned from previous Research Vessel Design and Construction Efforts
• Charting the Future for the National Academic Research Fleet: A Long-Range Plan for Renewal
• Report of the UNOLS Working Group on Ocean Observatory Facility Needs

Project Updates, Meetings, and Documents