The nonprofit research group Ocearch announced that its research vessel is undergoing its 10-year refit at Jacksonville (Fla.) Machine & Repair (JMR).
The 126' Ocearch is being readied for expeditions planned for 2027 and will return to its home dock in Mayport, Fla., once the work and associated inspections are complete. Neither company disclosed the contract value, the start date, or an expected completion date.
Ocearch uses the one-of-a-kind ship as a floating laboratory for studying large marine animals, including great white sharks. Built by Horton Boats, Bayou La Batre, Ala., in 1990 as the fishing support and Alaska crabbing vessel Arctic Eagle, the 433-gt ship was later converted for research. A hydraulic lift platform that can raise up to 75,000 lbs. brings sharks as long as 20' aboard for examination.
On a typical multi-week expedition, scientists, veterinarians, crew, and Ocearch staff live and work aboard. Researchers collect biological samples and attach acoustic and satellite tags, usually in about 15 minutes, before releasing the animal. Data from the work feeds open-source tools including a global shark tracker.
JMR’s scope of work covers the ship’s propulsion, structure, systems and safety equipment. Mechanics are overhauling the main and auxiliary engines and servicing shaft alignment, bearings, pumps, valves, and compressors. Pipefitters are fabricating work on the ballast, fuel, lube oil, and hydraulic systems, while crews are making structural repairs to hull plating, bulkheads, frames, and decks, using certified welding and steel and aluminum fabrication. The yard is also servicing marine electrical, power distribution, generator, and control systems, and handling surface preparation, corrosion control, and coatings. Other work includes insulation, including fire-rated systems; rigging, lifting, equipment installation and load testing; destructive testing, hull thickness gauging, and weld inspection; and precision machining and water jet cutting of custom components.
Ocearch Capt. John Van Dellen is overseeing the project. He has decades of experience captaining vessels and managing newbuilds and rebuilds of multi-vessel mothership operations worldwide.
“Being able to bring Ocearch to JMR and work with their team through this extensive 10-year refit process has been an incredibly rewarding experience so far. It has also been a great opportunity to strengthen our relationships within the Jacksonville maritime community,” Van Dellen said. “Ocearch is a very unique vessel, and a project of this scope and diversity takes a talented and dedicated team. I’m confident that the work being done here by the JMR team will help ensure the safety, reliability, and productivity of our crew and research teams on the water for many years to come.”
“JMR is honored to support Ocearch and the important work being carried out aboard the M/V Ocearch,” said Erin Snyder, JMR general manager. “Our team takes great pride in providing dependable, high-quality ship repair and maintenance services that help ensure the vessel remains safe, efficient, and ready to carry out its mission.”
JMR operates an 18-acre facility in Jacksonville, Fla., with about 2,200' of waterfront bulkhead and deepwater access via the St. Johns River. The yard offers dockside and afloat repairs, voyage and emergency response, fabrication, machining, inspection, and 24/7 field service.
