OceanXplorer

Our two Triton 3300/3 manned submersibles, Neptune and Nadir, are capable of descending to depths of 1,000 meters and can operate for up to 12 hours each with two passengers. These submersibles provide scientists with an unprecedented view of the deep sea, enabling the documentation of previously unseen ecosystems. Both Neptune and Nadir are equipped with comprehensive sampling equipment, allowing researchers to meticulously collect sediment, coral, temperature, and water quality samples from the ocean depths. Additionally, each submersible is fitted with 8k and low-light cameras, as well as an optical modem for live streaming back to shore in real-time.

The ROV Chimaera is an essential component of the OceanX exploration toolkit. This robust and maneuverable underwater robot is capable of reaching depths of up to 7,000 meters, thus covering 90% of the world's oceans. Chimaera can be equipped with up to ten different cameras in various configurations, providing a comprehensive 360-degree view of the seafloor. Additionally, the ROV is fitted with a variety of sampling and mapping capabilities enabling researchers to collect information from hazardous environments such as hydrothermal vents and brine pools.

The H125 Airbus helicopter enhances our operational capabilities by providing aerial reconnaissance and marine megafauna tracking. This aerial vantage point enables the team to recordmegafauna movement patterns and identify rare cetacean species. The helicopter's integration ensures a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to marine environment surveying.

The Otter USV is an autonomous surface vehicle specifically designed for the collection of diverse data from coastal habitats. It is equipped with a comprehensive suite of LiDAR and multi-beam mapping sonars, enabling the detailed visualization of shallow environments such as lagoons and mangrove forests.

Metal Shark is a versatile small vessel designed for shallow water operations.It serves as a flexible platform for conducting scuba operations and deploying smaller equipment such as hand-deployed niskin bottles. Capable of speeds up to 30 knots, Metal Shark is particularly useful for researchers tracking fast moving cetaceans in the open ocean.The vessel is also equipped with a multibeam echosounder capable of mapping 20m-300 meters, making it effective in shallow areas that the OceanXplorer cannot reach.

The OceanXplorer is equipped with 5 state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, designed to support the comprehensive study of marine life. These laboratories are fully stocked with advanced instruments, including fluid handling robots and –80°C freezers, essential for microbiological experiments. The laboratories are capable of analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA) collected from water samples using onboard filtration systems and sequencing performed through Oxford Nanopore technology. The wet labs feature water tables for the preservation of aquatic organisms collected from the depths and a walk-in freezer to maintain the integrity of collected samples. A newly installed aerosol lab is integrated into the top deck, capturing atmospheric microbial biodiversity and aerosol particles to understand drivers behind local climate conditions and species spread through the atmosphere.

The flow through system onboard the ship continuously brings in seawater at ambient conditions. OceanExplorer is equipped with a myriad of passive sensors that continuously collect and read data from this water allowing the ship to moniter minute changes in saltwater conditions. These sensors include a fluorometer, transmissometer, SBE 38 thermometer, and flowmeter) which allow us to read the chloprophyll levels, turbidity levels, temperature and flow rate respectively.

OceanXplorer’sOpenVDM platform can be viewed as the central nervous system of the ship: all of the instruments deployed from the vessel transmit information that serves to build the brain, nerves, and nerve clusters that are then synthesized in mission control.