Scientific ship is drilling for success around the globe

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30: The ocean drilling research vessel Joides Resolution will rumble into Dockyard this weekend.

The ship drills core samples and collects measurements from under the ocean floor, which in turn helps scientists understand the earth’s development.

From 2006 to 2008, the JR as she is also known, was completely re-fitted with new scientific drilling equipment, new structural improvements and major upgrades.

The research vessel is named after HMS Resolution, which was commanded by Captain James Cook over 200 years ago, and explored the Pacific Ocean, its islands, and the Antarctic region.

The purpose of the current Resolution is to sail for scientific exploration.

In the past the ship has conducted research operations across the globe including the Lesser Antilles, the Mediterranean and the Canterbury Basin.

Her next mission begins at the start of June and will see her visit the Newfoundland Sediment Drifts.

The ship’s crew consists of 50 scientists and technicians and a further 65 crew members.

Joides Resolution will sail into the Commercial Dock in the West End on Saturday morning from Curacao.

She will then leave the island on Monday across the Atlantic bound for Newfoundland.

Elsewhere this week container ships and cruise liners dominate the schedule.

The Norwegian Star and Summit head into Dockyard today.

While on Saturday the Enchantment of the Seas arrives in the West End followed by the Norwegian Dawn on Sunday.

The Bermuda Islander is back again tomorrow and the Oleander should get into Hamilton on Sunday afternoon.

Finally the fuel tanker Fortunato is due to arrive at the Oil Docks in St George’s on Friday morning to bring in liquid propane gas.