The OceanXplorer
The most advanced exploration, research, and media vessel ever built.
The OceanXplorer is more than a ship.
It's a floating laboratory, a filmmaking studio, and a deep-sea launchpad all in one. Each of its decks, labs, and vehicle components are designed to push the boundaries of exploration, accelerating ocean understanding and inspiring the next wave of ocean advocates to help build a future where the ocean and humanity thrive – together.
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Ship Features
Mission Control
The OceanXplorer’s OpenVDM system collects and integrates information from every tool on board – including data from the acoustic array, subs, ROV, CTD, and more – allowing teams to monitor, analyze, and visualize complex information in real time and adjust research based on what they see.
Submersibles
Nadir and Neptune, OceanXplorer’s two Triton submersibles, take scientists and filmmakers up to 1,000-meters deep for unobstructed views of the ocean floor, close observation of marine life in its natural habitat, and precision collection of delicate biological and geological samples.
Wet Lab
This may be the busiest space aboard the OceanXplorer, since every sample passes through it for processing. Scientists can study deep-sea species and capture high-resolution imagery in the cold tank room and aquarium tables that can be filled with water from the natural environment for observation of samples.
Dry Labs
Equipped with cutting-edge tools found in labs at marine research institutions, OceanXplorer’s dry labs offer everything needed to study ocean life and ecosystems. Full eDNA and genetic sequencing, along with advanced microscopy fitted for seaworthiness make scientific analysis possible without ever leaving the vessel.
Helicopter
OceanXplorer’s onboard Airbus helicopter supports aerial scouting, media capture, and tracking of marine life, enhancing the scope and speed of every mission. Scientists in the helicopter can track large marine mammals and communicate with the ship to reposition it or deploy divers for closer sampling and observation.
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
Chimera, the Argus ROV system, is a rugged, maneuverable underwater robot that allows for deep-sea exploration at depths up to 6,000 meters, bringing back samples, video footage, and data from places humans cannot reach.
Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV)
The Otter USV accesses shallow or hazardous environments where the ship cannot go, using sonar, LiDAR, and 360-degree cameras to map reefs, glaciers, and coastal zones with remarkable precision.
Dive Center
A fully equipped dive center enables extensive underwater research in shallow environments. Teams can quickly deploy, collect data, and return samples for analysis right on board.
Mapping and Acoustic Systems
Advanced sonar and multibeam systems create detailed 3D maps of the ocean floor, water column, sea life presence, and currents, helping researchers understand the terrain and life beneath the waves.
Media Production Center
Custom-built to support cinematic-quality storytelling at sea, the media center includes live-streaming tools, post-production suites, and custom cameras to share discoveries with the world in vivid detail.
