Saudi Arabia Invests in the Future of Marine Science with a State-of-the-Art Thuwal II Research Vessel

Posted on Aug 21, 2024 at 07:08 AM

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's first regional research vessel, Thuwal II, is currently under construction, according to the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).

Initiatives for marine research will benefit from the flagship ship of Saudi Arabia's research fleet, which will be constructed by the over-a-century-old Freire Shipyards in Vigo, Spain.

As the flagship of Saudi Arabia's research vessel fleet, RV Thuwal II will be able to support the country's needs for marine research, including massive initiatives and government agencies.

The Vessel's Role, Significance, and Design

The vessel will explore the Red Sea's scientific interests, including geological formations, coral reefs, and marine species, aiding Saudi Arabia's research and attracting foreign collaborators.

Moreover, this will boost scientific cooperation, enhancing the Kingdom's scientific leadership, as the Red Sea is already crucial to numerous scientific organizations.

The RV Thuwal II, a 50m long, 12.8m wide, and 3.6m draft vessel, is designed for a 30-year lifespan and offers multiple experimental laboratories for Red Sea exploration, ensuring the development of existing and future marine technology.

Notably, the modular RV Thuwal II, designed for research and emergency response, can incorporate new green propulsion technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and support national responses to emergencies like oil spills and maritime accidents in the Red Sea.

A New Era for Red Sea Research

With 12 crew members and vacant spots for researchers, the scientific vessel RV Thuwal II can seat 30 persons. In addition to using a variety of remotely controlled and autonomous underwater vehicles for surveys, seawater sampling, and seabed mapping, it can explore the deepest regions of the Red Sea.

Furthermore, Glosten designed RV Thuwal II, providing off-site engineering support during construction. Maritime Survey International, Australia's representative, will oversee day-to-day construction activities for KAUST, the on-site owners.

RV Thuwal II's planning has involved numerous Kingdom stakeholders, including giga-projects, government ministries, and universities with ocean science and marine operations expertise. 

RV Thuwal II's Impact on Vision 2030 and Beyond

KAUST is dedicated to developing Saudi Arabia's research infrastructure and Red Sea exploration, with the RV Thuwal II symbolizing this commitment. Pierre Magistretti, KAUST's vice president of research, announced that partners will have access to the ship.

“It is an honour for Freire Shipyard to collaborate with KAUST in building the RV Thuwal II, a vessel that not only symbolises KAUST's commitment to enhancing Saudi Arabia's research infrastructure and exploring the Red Sea but also opens up new opportunities for scientific collaboration and technological advancement in the region,” stated Marcos Friere Garcia, a director general of the Friere Shipyard.

The Red Sea is a crucial part of Vision 2030 and will significantly contribute to the Kingdom's transformation. Its research will create jobs, enhance food security, water management, and urban planning, and provide valuable insights into our planet and its inhabitants.

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