VESSEL REVIEW | Aurelia – Research submersible delivered to Norwegian non-profit

Sebastian, Florida-based Triton Submarines recently handed over a new deep-diving, three-person submersible to Norwegian marine research non-profit REV Ocean.

Named Aurelia after the Latin translation of "the golden one," the 12.48-ton (11.3-tonne), self-propelled submersible is classed as a deep-submergence vehicle (DSV). The craft offers scientists, researchers, and guests the opportunity to conduct ocean observation at depths up to 7,500 feet (2,300 metres). The huge, thick acrylic sphere boasts durable construction and provides an immersive experience for the pilot and the two other crewmembers, with near 360-degree unobstructed views. The pressure hull has a thickness of 300 mm and is made from certified, aircraft-grade material for enhanced structural integrity.

The DSV is fitted with comprehensive scientific sensors, tools, cameras, and sampling equipment, allowing it to perform a range of observation and research support mission out of REV Ocean's large, sea-going mother ship. The sampling and collection tools include a skid with collection drawer, a suction sampler, sediment corers, a coral sampler, gas samplers, a push corer, a conductivity, temperature and depth (CTD) sensor from Sea-Bird Scientific, Niskin water sampling bottles, and removable platforms for additional equipment.

The submersible also comes equipped with an EagleRay 4K camera, a Rayfin Stereo camera, a downward-facing camera, high-power LED lighting, a Sonardyne BlueComm wireless optical subsea link, and scaling lasers. A Schilling Robotics Titan 4 manipulator arm even has its own wrist camera.

A lithium iron phosphate battery supplies propulsive power for the the DSV's eight Tecnadyne Model 2020-DD thrusters and ensures that underwater missions can last up to 10 hours.

Construction of Aurelia took place at Triton's facilities in Florida and in San Cugat, Spain. The final phase of construction included a series of trials conducted around Spain's Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. The trials were done to evaluate the capabilities and performance of the submersible itself and its onboard equipment. Once in service, the new DSV will operate out of the research ship REV Ocean alongside Aurora, a 6,000-metre-rated remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in the same owner's fleet.

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