Nathaniel B. Palmer (icebreaker)

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 Callsign: WBP3210
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) Bow Thruster: 1,400 hp (1,040 kW) Stern Thruster: 800 hp (600 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.

Gallery

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  Nathaniel B. Palmer

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References

1. ^ ^{a b} "Coast Guard Vessel Documentation". http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/pls/webpls/cgv_pkg.vessel_id_list?vessel_id_in=981475. Retrieved 24 May 2009. 
2. ^ ^{a b} "R/V Nathaniel B. Palmer". National Science Foundation. http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/support/nathpalm.jsp. Retrieved 2007-08-16. 
3. ^ "Raytheon Polar Services Company". Raytheon. Archived from the original on 2007-06-30. http://web.archive.org/web/20070630075808/http://rpsc.raytheon.com/AboutRPSC/documents/RPSCbrochure.pdf. Retrieved 2007-08-16. 

External links

• Research Vessels of the US Antarctic Program
• Current possition of RV Nathaniel B. Palmer
• News on the USAP Research Vessels in The Antarctic Sun