Ecological Yachts Luxury Yacht & Superyacht News

Solar Odyssey trimaran at the 2010 La Grand Pavois

September 15, 2010

Solar Odyssey yacht is an experimental platform developed as a first boat propelled only by solar energy to beat the Atlantic record and the first to achieve a world tour without any CO2 emission. This exciting trimaran is being exhibited at the La Grand Pavois 2010 show in La Rochelle.

Sailing Trimaran SOLAR ODYSSEY

After Lorient Multihull Show in April 2010, where she has been unveiled, Le Grand Pavois in La Rochelle now welcomes the electro-solar trimaran Solar Odyssey. Created in 1973, Le Grand Pavois has become a major event in the nautical international schedule. It displays 100 000 m² for exhibition, some 700 exhibited boats and 100 000 visitors every year.

The international dimension of Le Grand Pavois is genuinely in Solar Odyssey’s philosophy, which aims at exchanging on new ways of thinking our relationship to energy during its stops around the globe. Solar Odyssey trimaran thus shares a common openness on the world with the organisation team of Le Grand Pavois and that is why their invitation has been accepted with enthusiasm. Both Le Grand Pavois and Solar Odyssey yacht adopt an environmental approach so as to promote cleaner energies for sailing.

Solar Odyssey sailing trimaran will therefore take this opportunity to show the project advancement and gather people around it. Indeed, after assembling the hull with the central beam and the floats during spring 2010, summer 2010 has witnessed the motorisation system setting, so as to proceed to hydrodynamic tests. Solar Odyssey shall be afloat at the end of Le Grand Pavois.

Solar Odyssey trimaran will be exposed between the special guest countries 2010, Tahiti and her islands, as well as Guadeloupe (stand J8 bis)

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation launched WOOD FOREVER

September 09, 2010

Providing access to water to as many people as possible, conserving biodiversity, putting forward solutions to curb climate change and its effects: these are the three key action areas to which the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is dedicated.


Wood Forever

A concentration of these three issues can be found in one sole ecosystem: the tropical forests.

Within the framework of its “Monaco makes a commitment against deforestation” initiative, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the MC2D Association are launching “Wood Forever” which aims to sensitize all those involved in the yachting market, professionals and clients alike, to only use wood certified as originating from sustainably-managed forests.

The Monaco Yacht Show has naturally decided to give financial backing to this initiative and will play host to the launch of “Wood Forever” at the 20th edition of its Show, thus becoming one of the protagonists in this fight against deforestation.

The tropical forests are home to over 75% of the Earth’s biodiversity and their destruction is responsible for more than 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions. The main cause of this massive and alarming destruction stems from the lack of economic development of this resource.

It is only by sustainably managing our forests and certifying their exploitation that we can really enhance their value. By using certified wood we are able protect these forest expanses and their biodiversity, whilst equally respecting the populations living there. The yachting sector is a large consumer of wood, whether its intended use be for decoration or construction. As such, it is clearly one of the main vehicles for making individuals aware of their own responsibility. We will only be able to stem and perhaps halt deforestation if everyone commits to only using certified wood.

“Wood Forever” is the catalyst of a movement already adopted on certain construction sites at the request of clients who are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the construction, decoration and future use of their yachts. The Foundation wishes to speed up and amplify this movement since yachting is a domain of excellence, the window of the luxury industry and of know-how. Whilst the yachting sector often judges itself on the measure of quality of its creations, it must also set an example by displaying virtuous and socially-aware behaviour. This is the message that the Foundation intends to convey to the market as a whole.

Zero to Nine 43 m Green Concept Design Yacht 006

September 07, 2010

Zero to Nine Design in collaboration with Schottel, Corvus Energy and Quantum are introducing their latest eco-friendly super yacht 006. The 43 metre motor yacht is designed to be as ‘green’ as possible and her space displacement is aimed to be as intelligent as possible.

Zero to Nine project 006 superyacht

Zero to Nine designed 006 superyachts entire top of 160 sq. metres has been covered with photovoltaic cells, which will generate up to 20 kW of energy. The solar panels are designed to generate energy to run amenities such as the sauna and the jacuzzi, however the main purpose is to stare the extra energy in 400 kWh battery packs to be used when entering or exiting marinas or when sailing through protected and uncontaminated areas at low speed at four to five knots.

006 eco-friendly yacht project by Zero to Nine

With the cost of solar technology going down over the past years, the installation of such equipment would be reasonably cost effective considering the cost of the entire project. The photovoltaic cells will not only be able to generate power while the yacht is running, but also at anchor. The 006 yacht’s photovoltaic cells will run and continue charging without almost no equipment turned on and through dedicated inverters it will be possible for the cells to supply energy to shore, marinas or the local electricity network. Zero to Nine’s future vision is to design a yacht, with such ecological advantages, where the eco friendliness will be rewarded with ‘eco-bonuses’ advantageous not only for the environment but also from the economical point of view.

006 eco-friendly yacht project by Zero to Nine

Zero to Nine 006 yacht project will have a diesel electric propulsion plant installed, providing further flexibility and environmental advantages. There will be three diesel generators installed, two bigger and one smaller, improving diesel consumption during maximum, cruising and range speed. Having chosen the Schottel Twin Propellers (2 STP 330 models) will provide more passenger space on the main deck, by lowering the hight of the engine room.

The main innovation featured on the new 006 eco-yacht if the twin-deck owner area located at fore. Changing this layout, the crew area will be shifted longitudinally towards the centre and the guest cabins will be placed aft. Three crew cabins will be located on the lower deck , one crew cabin on the main deck and captain’s cabin on the upper deck. The guest cabins will accommodate up to six guests in three cabins, however accommodation from 4 to 8 guests could be considered as an option. The 006 yacht will feature a lower deck acting as a freeboard deck with aft and fore mooring areas. A tender of 6.5 metres can be stored in the foredeck .

43 metre 006 yacht project by Zero to Nine

Zero to Nine pays great attention to providing the latest eco-friendly technology and solutions, being it the glass or paint, lighting systems or furnishing materials or exhaust after treatment.  In every case the most advanced PMS would be installed in every yacht.

Main characteristics of the 43 metre  006 Yacht design:

LOA 43,00 m
B (mld)  8,80 m
Draught  2,75 m
Displacement  480 tons

Max Speed  13,5 knots
Cruise Speed  12,0 knots
Range@10,5 knots 3000 nm
Range@  9,5 knots  4000 nm
Pure Electric Range  3 hours@4-5 knots

Guests  4 – 8
Crew 6-7 (MLC 2006 complying)

Power Generation:
DD.GG  3 (or 4), 1250 (or 1300) kW total
Photovoltaic Cells  20 kW
Batteries  400 kWh, Lithium NMC, Corvus Energy ltd.

Propulsion:
2x SCHOTTEL STP330, 2 Electric Motor x 500 kW, 1800 rpm

2 Fin Stabilizers, Zero Speed, Quantum QC-Fin Blade or MagLift.

Hull and Superstructure Material:
Mild Steel, Extended High Tensile Steel, Reduced Aluminium

Super Sailing yacht Twizzle to carbon offset her fuel and construction

September 03, 2010

Sailing yacht Twizzle the new 57.5m flybridge ketch recently launched by Royal Huisman has introduced a policy of carbon offsetting her fuel.  Her Owner has also chosen to offset the embodied carbon footprint from the energy and principal materials used in her construction.

Superyacht TWIZZLE - A Computer Rendering of her deck layout from aft.

Superyacht TWIZZLE - A Computer Rendering of her deck layout from aft.

Megayacht Twizzle is proud of its Green credentials and strives to be exceptionally eco-friendly.  Not only has sailing yacht Twizzle ensured that there is zero discharge into the sea, the yacht is certified to the highest levels for operation in the world’s oceans, including Alaska.

Yacht Carbon Offset has certified that emissions arising from S/Y Twizzle’s forthcoming cruising programme will be balanced tonne for tonne by equivalent emissions savings from green energy projects.  The one-off carbon offset for her construction is based on superyacht Twizzle’s aluminium and steel content, an allowance for other materials and components, and the estimated energy used at the shipyard.

Sailing yacht TWIZZLE - Aft Cockpit Photo Credit Sailing yacht Twizzle

Sailing yacht TWIZZLE - Aft Cockpit Photo Credit Sailing yacht Twizzle

Yacht Carbon Offset’s Managing Director Mark Robinson commented: “We warmly welcome Twizzle to the growing fleet of leading superyachts that have decided to take practical steps to offset their carbon footprint. In particular we are pleased to have enabled her Owner to take this policy further than any other Superyacht to date, by extending the scope to include both the energy and the principal materials of her construction.

We have seen that Carbon Offsetting appeals to many of those that own and enjoy the world’s finest yachts and we thank Twizzle’s Owner and his team for putting this decision into action.”

Sailing yacht TWIZZLE - At the quay Photo Credit Sailing yacht Twizzle

Sailing yacht TWIZZLE - At the quay Photo Credit Sailing yacht Twizzle

Superyacht Twizzle was launched, on Monday 12th of July 2010 in Harlingen in Northern Holland. Sailing yacht Twizzle is a 57.5m Dubois designed flybridge ketch.  She is the first yacht the Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman built which was styled by Redman Whiteley Dixon, with Todhunter Designers providing interior decoration together with the owners. S/Y Twizzle is also the first new build flying bridge yacht the Dutch yacht builder has built which was designed by naval architecture by Ed Dubois.

Charter yacht Twizzle is finished to an exceptional standard and has all the luxury facilities and attentive crew that one would expect on a motor yacht with the added romance of being one of the finest and technologically advanced sailing yachts ever created. Unlike most large sailing yachts, the sails on sailing yacht Twizzle can easily be hoisted in a matter of minutes and sail in a wide range of wind strengths, from around 6 knots to 26 knots of wind.

Sailing yacht Twizzle will start chartering in the Caribbean from 15 January to 15 March 2011 and will be in the Mediterranean for the Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Grand Prix ,  and will charter throughout the High Season in July and August 2011.

For more information about Carbon Offsetting, and to take action to balance your yacht’s greenhouse gas emissions, visit www.yachtcarbonoffset.com

Nautici Designs’ megayacht ND85 and superyacht ND65 design.

September 02, 2010

NAUTICI DESIGN was born in Palma de Majorca in 2009 as a new platform for the creation of new designs, concepts and ideas in leisure crafts, super-yachts, megayachts, passenger ships and boats. Nautici Designs’ initial goal is to create a true laboratory of innovative ideas to generate new proposals and designs. Nautici Design has two major design projects underway including the megayacht ND85 and the superyacht ND65.

Nautici Design combines design and experience of prestigious naval architects. It is supported by the technical know-how and solvency of “IN – Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering”, a firm in which Nautici Design was born from and some of the people involved in this project still belong to.

Designers and collaborators comprise a multi-disciplinary team in Majorca with previous experience in prestigious design companies, naval fit outs and shipyards in this area of expertise. Together, they work to identify a group of people who aspire to create new designs every day and want to help the most demanding owners realize their dreams.

Nautici Design has two major design projects underway including the megayacht ND85 and the superyacht ND65.

The ND85 superyacht is the largest yacht on Nautici Design s’ drawing boards.  The new design represents the beginning of a new era in the conception of super-yachts in terms of interior layout, looking at creating larger volumes and changing the traditional division in decks. Her 85 meter (279 feet) length includes a remarkable indoor atrium. Motor yacht ND 85 aims at defining a new way of thinking in developing these yachts, including more surprises in its interior which we look forward to revealing as further details come to hand.

The superyacht ND65 is also characterised by its innovative design with striking exterior styling.  The motor yacht ND65 has a dynamic character resulting in a large interior volume, which will accommodate 12 guests in the luxurious owner’s suite and 5 VIP guest cabins plus 9 crew cabins. The superyacht ND65 measuring 65-meters (213-foot) boasts an exclusive “Upper Deck” for the private use of the owner who is accommodated in a  “royal-suite cabin” spanning two levels. The owner’s suite boasts and impressive panoramic view of the oceans beyond.

Nautici Designs ND65 Superyacht Design

Nautici Designs ND65 Superyacht Design

 Along with designing new superyachts and megayachts, Nautici Designs also refit existing vessels. Nautici Designs work with the idea of developing custom yachts, both existing and new units: “We know that from 20 meters, most yacht owners would like a unique and special yacht, different from the rest, and also from the commercial units.”

The first work signed by Nautici Design is the refit of a small 25m passenger ship to refit and rebuild the yacht into a superyacht able to accommodate 12 guests in 6 double cabins.

In addition, Nautici Design is working on the design of a range of medium length motor yachts that are 100% Custom made. The new range consists of wooden boats with designs inspired by classic vessels, which will to be released to the public in 2011.

Many companies are now moving toward cleaner and quieter navigation and design and Nautici Design is no exception. They are working towards a more sustainable and efficient navigation for the greater comfort of the owners and guests on board together with a greater respect for the environment and lower maintenance and operating costs. They are further exploring designs that will incorporate environmentally friendly systems on motor yachts including looking into the possibility of fitting the yachts with engines using natural gas or dual-fuel cutting out SO2 emissions and reducing up to 80% the NOx emissions and 20% the CO2 emissions.

Nautici Design – The history

Rafael Velasco Fernandez (MRINA – C.Eng.) together with other naval architects established in “IN – Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering”(registered trademark) February 2007, specializing in passenger ships & boats as well as leisure craft. Today, it has become an industry leading firm.

Soon after starting up, and with the help of other designers, they identified the need to create new and innovative designs. As a result, a new professional group was created to compliment the development of Mr Velasco’s maritime consultancy work in the Balearic Islands, Spain and also to improve his design vocation and capacity as well as his partners’. In 2009, a group of experts, with extensive experience designing and managing passenger ships and super-yachts, created a new trademark Nautici design which seeks to become an outstanding option for the design of new units and to refit existing yachts.

SOLAR ODYSSEY trimaran to be launched at the Grand Pavois Boat Show

August 24, 2010

The first solar-powered trimaran Solar Odyssey by Lemer Pax will be launched and exhibited at the 2010 Grand Pavois International In-water Boat Show held from the 15ht to 20th September at the Port des Minimes in La Rochelle. Solar Odyssey yacht’s first campaign is to attempt the official transatlantic and to be the first French boat to go down in the Guinness Book of Records on this course around the globe with no fuel consumption.

Sailing Trimaran Solar Odyssey


Sailing trimaran Solar Odyssey measures 19 metres and is 10 metres wide. Her central hull comes from an experiment on Alain Gautier’s trimaran Foncia and her floats were built for the first version of l’Hydroptère the flying hydrofoiler. Both hull and floats have a very light displacement, as well as low hydrodynamic friction factors, a maximum speed of 18 knots. Eight knots of average speed are expected for the crossing of the Atlantic. This performance should enable the solar paneled trimaran SOLAR ODYSSEY to beat the record of 29 days achieved in 2005 by the Swiss catamaran Sun 21 between the Canary Islands and Martinique.

Propellers and engines of the Solar Odyssey trimaran were assembled after hull-beams-floats, in spring/summer 2010, which made it possible to start the hydrodynamic tests.

Experiments platform

Solar propulsion is undoubtedly one of the most realistic environmentally friendly alternatives for marine propulsion because there are needs of substitutes to fossil fuels. By investing in this technological adventure through many internal technologies transfer and the ongoing search for viable solutions, the company Lemer Pax Nantes/Carquefou whose activities are all related to the protection of the human being, wants to persuade sailors to integrate this source of inexhaustible and clean energy in the development of marine propulsion.

A prototype that looks like a UFO has been designed by experienced sailors, and will be helmed by those same sailors: Pierre-Marie Lerner / CEO of Lemer Pax – who is also the owner of the former Alinghi (Lake Geneva 13 m trimaran) – Fredéric Dahirel and Jean Maurel.

Solar Odyssey will be launched in La Rochelle – France at the end of the Grand Pavois International In-Water Boat Show 2010.

The Super Nova 60 m Superyacht by Sauter Carbon Offset Design – the Worlds First Carbon Neutral Megayacht

August 14, 2010

The 60 metre super nova yacht by Sauter Carbon Offset Design is a revolutionary plug-in, super fast, super green, solar hybrid superyacht that’s capable of generating enough surplus electricity to cruise Carbon Neutral for 7,000 nautical miles every year.

Richard Sauter Head of design comments on the megayacht design: “Super Nova’s state of the art Green Technology demonstrates that Carbon Neutral Superyachts are not just a futuristic dream, but a present day fact of life destined to become a ubiquitous reality.”

The Supernova and Formula Zero boats are the only superyachts to harness sustainable sources of energy from Wingsails, PV Cells, and Power sailing KER, which combined with Plug-in power sources charge a Lithium ion storage system that runs all Hotel services. This same Lithium UPS enables Super Nova to reach her highest speeds and navigate harbors and inland waterways with Zero emissions.

The Super Nova Yacht a Green 60 m Catamaran Design

The Super Nova Yacht a Green 60 m Catamaran Design

The currently available Green Technology present in Super Nova Superyacht includes:

• Mercedes Benz & Daimler BlueTec diesel electric power generation
• State of the art adjustable camber fully rotational Wingsails.
• Optimum solar cell deployment. 650sq. meters rated at 100kws
• Power sailing (KER) (Kinetic energy regeneration)•
• Azimuth counter rotating CLT high torque propeller systems.
• Advanced wave piercing Catamaran Hi-speed displacement hull design
• Advanced aerodynamic PV deck spoilers and radar tower canopy
• Energy efficient equipment, AC & refrigeration with waste heat recover
• Computerized energy management, maintenance & guidance.
• Plug-in Lithium UPS rated at 1,000Kwh.

Super Nova’s Catamaran Hi-speed wave piercing hulls along with self leveling sea keeping hydro & aerodynamic advances will make her easily the Fastest Power Sailing Megayacht in the world.
Cruising at 18 knots a 75 to 100% reduction in GHG emissions is achieved by employing multiple BlueTec diesel electric drives supported by fully rotational wingsails, power sailing & wave motion regeneration, a 650 square meter solar cell array and UPS backup.

All combined, cruising at an average speed of 8 knots Super Nova’s regenerative charge and lithium UPS provide for a virtually unlimited Zero Carbon cruising range.

Super Nova 60 Luxury Yacht Specifications:
 
Length  60 m
Beam  18 m
Draft  1m
Guests  14
Crew  16+
Weight  125tons
Sail area  1,200+sq.m
Cruising 18knots
Max speed  22+ knots
Mercedes Benz & Daimler BleuTec Gensets diesel/electric
Power  1,600kw
Fuel  diesel/battery
Zero carbon motoring range 50nm
Power sailing cruising range at 12 knots 4,000+nm
Consumption  125lph
CO2 per day  9tons
CO2 reduction  29tons per day
Zero Carbon power sailing range at 8knots average  Unlimited
Carbon Neutral power sailing range at 16knots average  7,000+nm

As a Certified Carbon Offset yacht Project Super Nova can save more than 6,000 tons of CO2 per year. Plugged in to shore power she is capable of feeding 400+Mwh’s of electricity to the grid. Enough energy to make 7,000 nautical miles of Carbon Neutral voyages every year.

The Super Nova vessel has winning performance, spacious comfort and Carbon Neutral presence is certain to establish her as the Paradigm Superyacht of our age.

Egg and Dart Design to Display 58 m Explorer Yacht Ranger at Monaco

August 10, 2010

Egg and Dart Design is to show their new expedition style motor yacht desing at the 2010 Monaco Yacht Show.

The Egg and Dart Yacht Designs in the range from 35 meter up to 123 meter increased up to 11 different models with different specifications offered to the market as “turn-key” projects. One of these 11 designs is our new highlight “Ranger 58m” made for people who are keen on independent, worldwide exploring.

The Ranger Superyacht Project is on big progress, the 3 d model is nearly finished, details will be shown on the Egg and Dart stand on Monaco Yacht Show 2010,  Jetée Nord.

Expedition Yacht Ranger Aft Decks

Expedition Yacht Ranger Aft Decks

Especially the fact that Egg and Dart are fully aware of the growing requirement for all means of transport to be more eco-friendly, to this effect, the project team have been in consultations with the leading manufacturers of both main and auxiliary marine propulsion units to enable us to offer an eco-friendly technical specification to a potential client.  In addition, every effort is made to ensure that the materials used for our interior finishes are from sustainable sources.
 
Short Design description of the motor yacht Ranger Design:
The design and the construction is just functional, highest safety and comfort is basic principle of this Explorer. This yacht is made for exploring the world with lifestyle and luxury on board and an elegant, timeless and exterior with modern lines but classic touch.

One of the main features is the Bridge Deck and Observation Deck with Research Area and Office, Library and Seating Area next to the Wheelhouse, Whale Watching Stations and inside and outside Observation Seating.

This feature gives all passengers the opportunity to be an active part of the exploring trip. While sailing, the guests can do research about their environment and explore flora and fauna of their route. Gear like sport fishing chairs , diving equipment, whale watching stations and separate vehicles like an helicopter, an All-Terrain Vehicle (MB G-Class), and light weight Akoya which ( an airplane designed by LISA Airplanes, flying since 2007 as the first aircraft capable of landing with equal ease on land, water and snow, with a range of 1650km) all this shape the trip and make the world closer from the yacht.

The 58 metre Superyacht Ranger Explorer Design

The 58 metre Superyacht Ranger Explorer Design

As on all Yachts designed by Egg and Dart enough space for crew guarantees perfect service and safety on board while guest can enjoy nature with lifestyle full of luxury.

Yacht Concept development, Egg and Dart Design Corporation.
Yacht-Design by Egg and Dart Design Corporation
Technical specification by Clive Cox
Steel/Aluminium Displacement Motor-Yacht – Eco friendly

Yacht “RANGER 58” Specifications:

Lower Deck
Toys | Tender Garage:
2 x  HSR-Benelli JetSki
2 x  Quads
1 x  All-Terrain Vehicle (MB G-Class)
1 x  Limo Tender , Egg and Dart design
1 x  Dariel DT7 Tender
1 x Novurania CL650 Tender
1 x Lisa-Akoya Airplane

Lower Deck
Guest,  Active Area:
Swimming Platform / Terrace on the Sea
Water Sports equipment
Diving Centre
Fruit Bar
GYM
Sauna

Lower Deck
Crew Area
Galley
Storages
Laundry

Main Deck
Aft deck Relaxing Area:
Interior Pool with sliding doors to the outside
Massage Area
Spa

Salon
TV Lounge
Art Lobby
4 Guest Cabins

Upper Deck
Chameleon Deck:
Helipad
Driving Range
Party Area
Sun Area

Upper Deck
Owners Area:
Owner Cabin with Spa, Lounge
2x  Foldout Balconies
Extra Guest Cabins:
2x Double Cabins with Balcony
Inside Dining/Bar Area

Observation Deck/ Fly bridge:
In/Outside Observation Seating
Whale Watching Stations
Inside Research Area with office, Library
Bridge with guest seating
Captains area with Captains office

Egg and Dart Designed Motor Yacht RANGER 58

August 10, 2010

Motor Yacht RANGER 58 is one of the many ‘turn key’ designs offered by the renowned Egg and Dart Yacht Design company. The design company is well known for their models ranging from 35 metres through to 123 metres, incorporating eleven different models. One of these eleven Egg and Dart Designs is the above mentioned SuperYacht RANGER 58.

Egg and Dart 58 metre yacht project - Image credit to Egg and Dart Design

Egg and Dart has announced the progress of the yacht proceeding according to plans, and they will be ready to show the Ranger 58 model together with the details at the 2010 Monaco Yacht Show, Jetée Nord.

The company also states, their full awareness of the growing requirements for all means of transport to be more ecological.  Following these demands the company and its designers are constantly in consultation with the leading manufacturers of main and auxiliary marine propulsion units, to ensure their offer the most eco-friendly option and technical specification to the potential client.  Major attention is also paid to the materials used for the interior finishes, making sure they are all from sustainable sources.

Egg and Dart Design look forward to introducing you to the new Ranger 58 Superyacht design at the 2010 Monaco Yacht Show.

Oceana Announces Launch of Gulf of Mexico Research Expedition to Assess Long-Term Impacts of Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

August 09, 2010

Oceana to Use ROVs, Specialized Divers and Satellite Tags to Investigate Effects of Oil on Coral, Fish, Shark and Sea Turtle Species.

Oceana, the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation, announced today the launch of its 2010 Gulf of Mexico Expedition that will assess the long-term impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Oceana will use remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), specialized divers and satellite tags to investigate the effects of oil in the Gulf on coral, fish, shark and other marine species. Oceana will also document areas that may be in danger if the oil is captured by sea currents and transported towards southern Florida or if another oil spill occurs in this area in the future. To date, an estimated 200 million gallons of oil has spilled into the Gulf since the explosion April 20, 2010.

Oceana Latitude

Oceana Latitude

For this research expedition, Oceana has chartered the Oceana Latitude, a 170 foot work ship capable of sailing in both shallow and deep waters, and adapted to serve as a diving platform. The expedition, led by oceanographer Xavier Pastor, vice president for Oceana Europe, will set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Sunday, August 8, 2010.

“The Deepwater disaster is a horrible experiment on the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem,” said Pastor. “Oceana’s expedition will help to answer important questions about what is happening under the water in the Gulf.”

Oceana’s scientists from both sides of the Atlantic will begin their work in the Florida Keys before sailing into the Gulf. The scientists, directed by Dr. Michael Hirshfield, senior vice president for North America and chief scientist at Oceana, will work with professional divers, underwater photographers and videographers as well as two ROVs (one capable of descending up to 3,280 feet and filming in high-definition) to analyze the magnitude of the oil spill and its affect on sensitive habitats and marine species. Oceana will also tag several shark species, including whale and hammerhead sharks, to monitor their migration patterns and study their ability to avoid oil contaminated areas as well as take samples of water, fish larvae, plankton and adult fish.

Dr Jeff Short takes an oil sample from the Gulf of Mexico

Dr Jeff Short takes an oil sample from the Gulf of Mexico

“Most of the public’s attention has been on the visible oil on the surface of the Gulf and the beaches and marshes,” said Dr. Hirshfield. “Oceana wants the public to understand the impacts of the unseen, underwater oil that is damaging marine wildlife and habitats in the Gulf and will likely continue to do so for years to come.”

Oceana’s Pacific science director Dr. Jeff Short, one of the world’s leading experts on oil spills that participated in the Exxon Valdez clean-up efforts, will use cutting-edge science to map the subsurface oil plume. Dr. Short has already travelled to the Gulf where he collected water samples.

During the expedition, Oceana will collaborate with the National Aquarium as well as several U.S. universities, including the University of Miami. Oceana will also release reports in the coming weeks that describe the impacts of oil on marine species.

Patch of thick oil

Patch of thick oil

Oceana continues to urge Congress and the U.S. government to ban all new offshore drilling and support a shift to clean, carbon-free alternatives.

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