The centerpiece of this years’ Frances’ pavilion at Expo 2012 in Yeosu, South Korea, is the SeaOrbiter ocean-going laboratory that could be exploring the seas as soon as late next year, reported CNN.
For almost 12 years SeaOrbiter, part submarine, part research vessel, has been a mere concept of French architect Jacques Rougerie. The technical design has recently been completed and it is expected to go into construction in October.
The total cost of the project will be around $43 million. The vessel will be 58-meters in height, and will constantly conduct underwater studies. About 50% of the vessel will be below the water line.
Ariel Fuchs, education and media director of the SeaOrbiter project stated: “One of the first users will be the science community.
“It’s designed to explore the ocean in a new way, mainly spending time under the sea, giving people the opportunity to live under the sea for a very long time, to observe, to undertake research missions, like marine biology, oceanography and climate issues.”
The vessel is designed to drift with ocean currents and generate the majority of its energy from solar, wind and wave power. A news project is underway to develop a biofuel as the main power source of the ship.
After the construction of the vessel is completed, the ship is expected to depart for Monaco.
[mappress] Subsea World News Staff, June 11, 2012; Image: SeaOrbiter