The 28-metre research vessel Virginia has successfully completed sea trials and is currently transiting to its home port in Virginia.
The new vessel was built by Meridien Maritime Reparation of Quebec and designed by JMS Naval Architects of Connecticut.
Virginia will support the Virginia Institute of Marine Science's fisheries research projects and greatly expand its capability to perform general oceanographic research in the Chesapeake Bay as well as mid-Atlantic coastal waters.
Main propulsion is provided by a pair of 492kW tier III Cummins QSK 19M engines coupled to a Finnoy 2G27-42FK two-in/one-out marine gear driving a five-blade, 1.95-metre diameter controllable pitch propeller.
