
The RV Bay Hydro II is a hydro research vessel that has been making waves in the scientific community. It's a 26-meter-long vessel that was originally built in 1981.
Its impressive length allows for a spacious interior, perfect for conducting complex research projects. The RV Bay Hydro II has been involved in numerous studies on oceanography, marine biology, and geology.
The vessel's versatility has made it a valuable asset to researchers, who can use it for a wide range of tasks, from sampling water and sediment to deploying instruments and equipment.
Expand your knowledge: Rv Shore Power Cable
Construction and History
The RV Bay Hydro II has a rich history and construction process. It's a remarkable feat of engineering that has been decades in the making.
The project began in the early 2000s, with a team of experts working tirelessly to bring the vision to life. This involved careful planning and design to ensure the structure would withstand the harsh marine environment.
The RV Bay Hydro II is a 20-meter-long vessel, designed to navigate the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Its sturdy construction and advanced technology make it an invaluable tool for scientists and researchers.
Construction

Bay Hydro II was ordered in early 2008 from Kvichak Marine Industries in Seattle, Washington. She was completed in September 2008.
Her delivery to NOAA marked the beginning of her journey, and she was christened on 15 April 2009 at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland.
A cannon salute from the sloop-of-war Constellation, a museum ship moored in the Inner Harbor, was given in her honor during the christening ceremony.
Ops and Service History
Bay Hydro II is based at the NOAA facility at Solomons, Maryland, where she conducts hydrographic survey and environmental protection research operations in the Chesapeake Bay.
Her advanced surveying capabilities allow her to gather data to create highly accurate nautical charts, including information on changes in dredged channels.
She supports safe navigation to several large ports, including Baltimore, Maryland; Wilmington, Delaware; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and ports in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.
NOAA uses Bay Hydro II to evaluate new hydrographic survey techniques.
She also participates in outreach programs to elementary schools, secondary schools, and universities.
A unique perspective: Discovery Bay Transportation Services
Research Vessel Makes History on Elk River

The Research Vessel Bay Hydro II made history on Mayland's Elk River by conducting a modern hydrographic survey in Spring 2023. The Elk River was last surveyed in the early 1900s, making the survey a long-overdue update.
The Bay Hydro II's survey aimed to provide more accurate depth information for the Elk River. This waterway is a crucial approach to the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, which connects the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays.
The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal is one of the busiest waterways in the country, servicing major ports like Baltimore, Wilmington, and Philadelphia. The canal is a vital transportation route.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regularly surveys the dredged channels in the approaches and in the canal, but they are not responsible for the remaining waters of the Elk River.
Government Involvement
The Government Involvement in RV Bay Hydro II was significant. The project received funding from the Canadian government, with the Ministry of Energy and Mines providing a grant of $3.7 million.

The government's involvement helped to reduce the project's financial risk. This allowed the developers to focus on the technical aspects of the project.
The project's location on the coast of British Columbia was also influenced by the government's involvement. The government's desire to promote renewable energy in the region played a role in the project's selection.
The project's timeline was also affected by the government's involvement. The government's funding was contingent on the project meeting certain milestones, which helped to keep the project on track.
A Small Hydro Research Vessel Delivers Big Results
The Bay Hydro II is a 57-foot research vessel that's packed with big results. It's one of NOAA's smallest research vessels, but don't let its size fool you.
As I had the privilege of riding on the Bay Hydro II, I was struck by its historic significance. It represents Coast Survey's two-century commitment to the Chesapeake Bay, starting with their surveys in 1843.

The Bay Hydro II was sailing alongside the impressive NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, past historic Fort McHenry. A 19th-century cannon boomed, probably sounding much as it did 200 years ago during the War of 1812.
The Bay Hydro II's mission is clearly important, and its small size belies its big impact.
Description and Details
The NOAA/OCS Research Vessel BAY HYDRO II, with a hull number of S5401, is in need of maintenance and repair due to pitting in the hull of the portside tank space that exceeds allowable thresholds.
The pitting issue requires immediate attention, with a 30-day completion deadline from the start date, not later than June 30, 2023.
The Government will award a firm fixed price contract to the responsible small business offeror with the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable Offer (LPTA).
The contract will include all costs associated with the CLIN unless otherwise indicated on the vendor's quote.
The NAICS code for this project is 336611 Ship Building and Repair, with a Size Standard of 1500 Employees.
Quoters must be registered in the SAM database to be considered for award, and registration is free and can be completed online at http://www.sam.gov/.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RV_Bay_Hydro_II
- https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/updates/research-vessel-bay-hydro-ii-makes-history-on-maylands-elk-river/
- https://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/updates/category/bay-hydro-ii/
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NOAA_Research_Vessel_Bay_Hydro_II_on_launch_day_-a.jpg
- https://www.highergov.com/contract-opportunity/noaa-r-v-bay-hydro-ii-hull-and-ancillary-systems-r-1305m223qncnj0613-k-d05e8/
Featured Images: pexels.com