Scene on the Sound: RV Thomas G. Thompson headed to BC and New Zealand

RV Thomas G. Thompson on the Shoreline Sea
Photo by Jan Hansen

By Jarred Swalwell

Since there have been several photos of the Thomas G. Thompson this week I thought I'd shed some light on what she's been up to. Over the last 18 months she has undergone a 25 year mid-life re-fit in the Vigor shipyard on the Duwamish/ Elliott Bay.

Repairs and improvements included:

• All new diesel engine driven generators.
• New electrical management system.
• Rebuilt electric propulsion motors.
• New engine room control room.
• New bridge (control systems and electronics).
• Replaced all the drain piping in the ship.
• And a myriad of other things.

She has been performing sea trials over the last week or two (see article) and will continue to do so until the 15th of December as acceptance trials from the shipyard and for Coast Guard sign-off.

The Thompson is a UNOLS whole ocean capable vessel and normally operates between Seattle, the South Pacific and all the way up to the Arctic Ocean.

Her next cruise will be a student research cruise to Knight Inlet, B.C. and will then head south to New Zealand the beginning of next year.