Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors LLC, Houma, La., was awarded a $26.6 million firm-fixed-price modification for engineering changes to shore power configuration and capability for the Discoverer and Oceanographer, twin 244’ NOAA research vessels expected to be completed in November 2028.
The July 6 award is the newest increase from an original $178 million contract awarded through Naval Sea Systems Command in 2020. In a statement when Discoverer was floated in March 2025, NOAA said the ships will support missions “exploring the deep sea, monitoring oceanographic conditions and studying marine life."
"Discoverer and its sister ship, Oceanographer, will incorporate the latest clean energy technologies, including vessel emission controls and high-efficiency diesel engines.”
NOAA research relies on a fleet of 15 ships, with an average age now beyond 30 years.
“By 2030, six of those ships will likely reach the end of their service life — the operational period of a ship,” according to the agency. “These new state-of-the-art ships will ensure NOAA can continue to meet its mission to support safe navigation, coastal resource management and the nation’s economy.”
Discoverer will be homeported at Newport, R.I., while the Oceanographer will be based at Honolulu.
