Construction for MBARI’s new flagship research vessel, the R/V David Packard, officially kicked off last Thursday! 🎉
MBARI’s Director of Marine Operations Michael Kelly joined Glosten engineers William Moon and Isabel Goni-McAteer at Freire Shipyard in Spain for the ship’s keel laying. The keel is the central steel beam that serves as the ship’s backbone. Keel laying marks the beginning of the build as the ship begins to take form.
Over the next year, the R/V David Packard will take shape at Freire Shipyard. Its arrival at our facilities in Moss Landing in summer 2023 will mark an exciting new chapter for MBARI.
Learn more about our new flagship research vessel: https://www.mbari.org/mbari-new-research-vessel-announcement/











