The State of Alaska's University of Alaska at Fairbanks (UAF) has selected Marinette Marine Corporation of Marinette, Wisconsin to build an ice-strengthened 254ft Alaska Region Research Vessel (ARRV) for delivery in 2013.

The newbuilding, designed by Seattle-based The Glosten Associates, will be owned by the US  National Science Foundation and operated by UAF as part of the US academic research fleet.

To be christened Sikuliaq, (pronounced see-KOO-lee-auk), the ship will have accommodation for up to 26 scientists and students, including those with disabilities, and is expected to carry more than 500 researchers and students annually while spending as many as 300 days a year at sea.

A modern communications system will also allow it to transmit real-time information directly to classrooms all over the world. When completed the vessel is expected to be home-ported  at UAF's Seward Marine Center at Seward, Alaska.

For mroe Newbuild news, buy the April issue of Ships Monthly due out on 15 April 2010.