Liverpool University launches UK’s most advanced marine research boat
THE UK’s most advanced boat for marine research has been commissioned by Liverpool University.
The research vessel Marisa was named by Lady Newby, wife of the university’s vice- chancellor, Prof Sir Howard Newby, at Albert Dock.
The catamaran can carry up to 12 students and four crew to research marine eco-systems in the Irish Sea.
Marisa is the ninth of the university’s research vessels which hitherto were based in the Isle of Man.
But, with closure of the university’s Port Erin Marine Biological Station in 2006, Marisa will be based at Sandon Dock, Liverpool.
Prof Chris Frid, of the School of Biological Sciences, was the driving force in conceiving the boat, which cost around £500,000.
Prof Frid said: “This is the most tangible result of the university’s major investment in marine sciences.”
Sir Howard Newby added: “Ocean sciences is one of our real strengths and environmental sciences is of increasing student interest.
“Marisa is both a floating lab and a teaching facility.”
