LUMCON, USM to share vessel

HOUMA, La. - Operation of a new $106M research ship has been awarded to a state marine research center in Cocodrie, La., opening opportunities for studies along the Gulf Coast, officials announced Sept. 10. The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) will share the research vessel with the University of Southern Mississippi. Scientists plan to use it for more extensive and lengthier trips into the Gulf of Mexico. LUMCON Executive Director Craig McClain said the center's current research vessel, the Pelican, works in shallow waters but can't travel deep into the GoM for oceanographic work. It's also nearing the end of its life cycle. The new ship will be capable of carrying a crew of 29 for 21 days at sea. LUMCON applied for the grant two years ago in response to a call for proposals from the National Science Foundation. NSF will spend at least $318M to build three new research vessels, including the one to be operated by LUMCON and USM. All three ships will be constructed by Gulf Island Fabrication in Houma, whose yard is near the Houma Maritime Campus now in the planning stages. The campus is a collaboration among Fletcher Technical Community College in Schriever, LUMCON and other public universities and community colleges, including Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La. Once built, the ship will be able to dock in the Houma Navigation Canal or Gulfport, Miss. Construction is set to be complete by 2023, and operational in 2024 after sea trials. An LSU economic impact analysis estimates the new marine campus may lead to more than $125M in earnings and $470M in economic output over 20 years. (Source: Houma Today 09/10/19) https://www.houmatoday.com/news/20190910/local-marine-center-to-operate-106-million-research-ship