RV Blue Heron

The Blue Heron is a research vessel serving on the Laurentian Great Lakes. She is owned by the University of Minnesota Duluth, and operated by the Large Lakes Observatory in partnership with the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System.[1] The Blue Heron is the largest research ship owned by a university operating on the Great Lakes, and the second-smallest UNOLS vessel by LOA.[2]

The RV Blue Heron in Superior, Wisconsin
History
NameBlue Heron
NamesakeGreat blue heron
OwnerUniversity of Minnesota Duluth
OperatorUniversity of Minnesota Duluth/Large Lakes Observatory
Port of registryDuluth, Minnesota
Launched1985
Acquired1997
RenamedFairtry: 1985-1997 Blue Heron: 1997-Present
Statusin active service
General characteristics
TypeResearch vessel
Displacement278 long tons
Length86 feet 3 inches
Beam23 feet 4 inches
Draft12 feet
Decks3
Installed power1 x Caterpillar 3508TA diesel
Propulsion1 x stainless steel prop
SpeedCruising: 9 knots Maximum: 10 knots
Endurance21 days
Crew5 crew, 6 scientists

History

The Blue Heron was built in 1985 as a fishing vessel and christened "Fairtry" before being purchased by the University of Minnesota in 1997 and converted to a research vessel for deployment in 1998.[3] The ship will celebrate its 25th year of scientific service in 2023.

Activities

The Blue Heron conducts limnological research on the five Great Lakes throughout the ice-free season. Its capabilities include water and sediment sampling and analysis, sensor launching and retrieval, and radar/sonar scanning.[4] In addition to its research capabilities, the ship also hosts public science outreach and education events in Duluth and other communities.[5]

References
  1. "UNOLS Designated Vessels | UNOLS". www.unols.org. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  2. "Blue Heron | Swenson College of Science and Engineering". scse.d.umn.edu. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  3. "A Great Lake voyage aboard the R/V Blue Heron". Science Buzz. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  4. Large Lakes Observatory University of Minnesota, Duluth. "Research Vessel BLUE HERON Cruise Planning Manual" (PDF).
  5. "LLO Science on Deck | Swenson College of Science and Engineering". scse.d.umn.edu. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
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