R/V Atlantis

Credit: © WHOI.

The R/V Atlantis is owned by the U.S. Navy and operated by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution as part of the UNOLS fleet. Atlantis is the only ship outfitted to launch and service the human-occupied submersible, Alvin.  The Atlantis is also equipped to support general oceanographic research, with more than 3,500 square feet of laboratory space for dedicated use by the onboard science party as well as a variety of permanent tools to observe and advance understanding of our ocean, including precision navigation systems, a suite of scientific instrumentation, a multi-beam system for seafloor mapping, and satellite communications. Three winches, three cranes, a machine shop, and specialized work spaces allow the ship to operate Alvin and other underwater exploration vehicles.