Data push keeps shipbuilders busy on science front

摘要

The demand for data from the world's oceans continues to grow as researchers respond to the effects of climate change and look to advance the extent and accuracy of seafloor mapping. Activity at North American shipyards reflected that during the past year, with a bevy of orders and deliveries in both the government and academic sectors. Leading the way was VT Halter Marine of Pascagoula, Miss., which delivered the 353-foot USNS Maury (T-AGS 66) to the U.S. Navy in February. The Pathfinder-class oceanographic survey ship is the first built for the Navy since USNS Mary Sears (T-AGS 65), another Halter vessel that launched in 2000.