The legendary ocean researcher and diver Jacques-Yves Cousteau's research ship 'Calypso' is currently being restored in France. Fully overhauled, the vessel will sail as the flagship for the Cousteau Society and help inform the general public about the seas and the environment all over the world.
The whole renovation project is being carried out in the most environmentally friendly way as possible, with an important part being the engines chosen. The new Volvo Penta marine diesels are below current emissions regulations and also very fuel efficient to minimise carbon dioxide emissions.
"The Volvo Penta D16-650…[has] nitrogen oxide levels that are uniquely low", explained Jean-Philippe Totot at the Volvo Penta centre Le Pocher, which will deliver the engines along with installation support and training for the onboard crew.
The two Volvo Penta D16s used for propulsion are not only very low on emissions, they are also very fuel efficient.
The 'Calypso' is expected to reach a top speed of 15 knots, and with a preferred cruising speed of ten knots fuel consumption will be radically reduced compared with the old engines, which equal the reductions in carbon dioxide emissions.
The delivery from Volvo Penta also consists of two marine generating sets for the ship's electrical power requirements: one D5A at 90kWe and one D7A at 130kWe.
The 'Calypso' was built of wood on the American West Coast in 1942 and originally served as a minesweeper in the British Navy. After the war, she served briefly as a ferry in the Mediterranean and in 1950 Captain Cousteau got the chance to lease her for a symbolic sum. After that, the two were inseparable.
It was aboard the 'Calypso' that Mr Cousteau did his research and produced his TV films that helped to spread environmental awareness and knowledge over the whole world.
In 1996, 'Calypso' sank as the result of an accident in the port of Singapore. She was lifted but was practically a wreck. When Mr Cousteau died the year after, their long relationship was at an end. However, the non-profit Cousteau Society has since decided to restore the 'Calypso' and has started raising funds for the restoration project.
After a long spell in Marseilles, and La Rochelle the 'Calypso' was towed in 2008 to Concarneau shipyard in Bretagne where she was laid up in a dry dock and the restoration commenced.
The restoration is scheduled to take approximately a year at a total cost of US$7.5 million to US$8.8 million. If all things work as planned, the 'Calypso' should be ready for her new duties in late 2009 or 2010.
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