en.Wedoany.com Reported - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded a contract worth $99,637,544 to the JAG Ketchikan shipyard in Alaska for expanded upgrades and maintenance work on the NOAA vessel Henry B. Bigelow.

The upgrade work cycle is expected to last 14 months, with the primary task being a complete replacement of the propulsion system, including the installation of variable-speed Tier 4 generators, lighter and more efficient motors, and cutting-edge technology. Additionally, the comprehensive maintenance plan involves replacing pumps, fans, cranes, fire detection systems, and radar, as well as increasing the number of single-occupancy cabins, all aimed at enabling the Bigelow to continue supporting NOAA's scientific missions.

The upgrade work will commence after the 2027 field season. According to the agency's plan, the Bigelow will be completed and recommissioned before the 2029 field season.

Commissioned in 2007, the Bigelow is one of NOAA's 15 research vessels, primarily conducting extensive studies of marine life and ocean conditions along the U.S. East Coast, with a core mission of monitoring fish populations and conducting related research.

Dr. Neil Jacobs, NOAA Administrator, stated that the Henry B. Bigelow is a vital component of the NOAA fleet, and improvements to these critical parts will enable the agency to better fulfill its mission, enhance survey work, and continue ensuring responsible, science-based management of U.S. fishery resources.

NOAA is committed to maximizing the service life of each vessel through long-term maintenance planning and tracking, aiming to provide NOAA scientists and their scientific partners with the most modern and reliable ships.

Rear Admiral Chad M. Cary, Director of the NOAA Corps and Assistant Administrator for NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations, noted that the modernization of onboard technology will improve the Bigelow's operational efficiency and safety, while ensuring the vessel's future research remains at the forefront of the industry. He added that by investing in these upgrades, they are investing in the future of NOAA's scientific missions along the U.S. East Coast.

To maintain mission execution capabilities while the Bigelow is undergoing maintenance, NOAA has begun modifying other vessels in its fleet. For example, the NOAA vessel Pisces recently completed modifications to enable it to perform bottom trawl operations typically handled by the Bigelow. These adjustments are designed to ensure seamless continuity in the scientific data collection efforts along the East Coast.