NOAA has awarded US$95,408,666 to JAG Alaska from Seward, Alaska, to complete expanded upgrades and maintenance on the NOAA ship Oscar Dyson. Following the 2026 field season, the ship will go into a year-long maintenance period.
Upgraded technology
The Oscar Dyson was first commissioned in 2005. Replacing the propulsion system with variable speed, Tier 4 generators and quiet air conditioning motors is intended to equip the Dyson to continue supporting future NOAA science missions.
The comprehensive maintenance will also replace pumps, fans, cranes, fire detection system and radars, as well as increase the number of single-person staterooms. NOAA has stated that it anticipates that the Oscar Dyson will be available for service in time for the 2028 field season.
“These upgrades will help the ship continue to meet the needs of the nation in primarily Alaskan and Arctic waters well into the future,” said NOAA Corps Rear Adm. Chad Cary, director of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations. “Modernizing the shipboard technology will improve the Dyson’s fuel efficiency and operational safety, while ensuring that future research performed by the Dyson continues to be second to none.”
Monitoring Alaska’s data
The Oscar Dyson was commissioned in 2005 and collects data that is used to manage Alaska pollock – one of the world’s largest commercial fisheries. The goal of this maintenance plan is to provide up-to-date, dependable vessels for NOAA’s scientists and science partners.
“Great news coming out of Alaska today. Supporting small shipyards in the state is vital to our blue economy, and I am excited to see these extensive upgrades to NOAA ship Oscar Dyson happening right in our own backyard,” said Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski. “The mid-life renovation of this critical research vessel will allow for the collection of accurate data that will inform Alaska’s fisheries – all while putting Alaskans to work.”
“I want to thank Secretary Lutnick and Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm for prioritizing the completion of the contract to maintain NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson,” said Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan. “I am glad to see one of our great Alaskan shipyards will be conducting the repairs, keeping the ship close to home so that it can swiftly return to its important work once the maintenance is finished.”
Smooth sailing
NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations operates a fleet of 15 hydrographic survey, oceanographic research and fisheries survey vessels. This upgrade forms part of NOAA’s work to maximize the service life of each of its vessels through long-term maintenance planning and tracking.
NOAA has begun modifying other ships in its fleet to backfill the Dyson during the maintenance period. NOAA’s Bell M Shimada will be outfitted with polar life rafts, rescue boat heaters and other adaptations necessary for work in Alaska waters. These adjustments will help to ensure that the collection of science and data in Alaska, as supported by the Dyson, will continue seamlessly.
In related news, Dubai-based Drydocks World, part of DP World, has co-founded the Global Green Shipyard Alliance (GGSA), an international coalition of five shipyards to drive adoption of clean technologies and ESG standards across the maritime sector. Read the full story here