UNCW research vessel undergoing sea trials in Pacific Northwest

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — UNCW’s newest research vessel is getting closer to coming to Wilmington’s shores.

UNCW Center for Marine Science has posted several photos and videos online showing sea trials for R/V Osprey.

Plans to build a new research vessel were first announced in 2024.

R/V Osprey is outfitted with a dry lab, a wet lab, 10 bunks, a galley, two bathrooms, a deck crane, an A-frame with 5000 lb. capacity, state-of-the-art marine electronics, acoustic Doppler current profilers and a multibeam sonar system.

UNCW officials said the sea trials are being conducted in Bellingham, WA with All American Marine, the developer of the vessel.

Once UNCW provides approval of the vessel, R/V Osprey will be loaded on a transport ship and travel through the Panama Canal to Port Everglades.

From there UNCW’s crew lead by Captain Jay Styron will bring the vessel home to UNCW’s Center for Marine Science.

While UNCW officials note that transport by sea can have challenges, the university hopes the vessel with arrive in Wilmington in August.