RV Solander, AIMS Research Vessel, Departing Cairns Harbour 20 Jul 2024

‪@shipsintropicaloz‬ Australian Institute of Marine Science research vessel, Solander, departing Cairns Harbour. Solander is the flagship of AIMS' field research program. The 34.9m vessel is a floating laboratory for marine scientists to carry out research in Australia’s remote tropical waters for up to 270 sea days a year, travelling as much as 25,000 nautical miles (46,000km).
RV Solander enables researchers to develop a comprehensive understanding of tropical marine biodiversity, oceanography and ecosystem functions across Australia’s north.
The Solander is one of AIMS’ two coastal research vessels - the only ships dedicated to marine research across Australia’s tropical waters between the coast and the edge of the continental shelf.