RV Marcus G. Langseth

RV Marcus Langseth is a research vessel operated by the Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) of Columbia University as a part of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) fleet.^[1][2] The Marcus G. Langseth was dedicated on December 4, 2007, came into service in early 2008, replacing the RV Maurice Ewing.^[3]

RV Marcus G. Langseth, operated by the Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory
History
Owner	National Science Foundation
Operator	Columbia University, Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory
Builder	Ulstein (Norway)
Launched	15 June 1991
Completed	1991
Acquired	2004
Identification	IMO number: 9010137 MMSI number: 367059880 Callsign: WDC6698
Status	Active
Notes	Originally constructed as a seismic vessel the Marcus G. Langseth was modified and outfitted to perform the tasks required of a general purpose research vessel.
General characteristics
Tonnage	3,834 GT
Displacement	2578.4
Length	71.5 m (234 ft 7 in)
Beam	17.0 m (55 ft 9 in)
Draft	5.9 m (19 ft 4 in)
Ice class	Baltic IA
Installed power	2 x shaft generators 1665 KVA each
Propulsion	2 x Bergen BRG-6 2650 kW/3550 hp (each); 1 x Tunnel 590 kW/800 hp bow thruster
Speed	13 knots (24 km/h; 15 mph) max
Crew	20 crew, 35 scientific

Marcus G. Langseth is intended primarily to collect multichannel seismic data, including 3-D surveys. The ship was purchased from the geophysical survey company WesternGeco in 2004, having previously been named Western Legend.^{[citation needed]} The Marcus G. Langseth was named for Marcus G. Langseth, a Lamont scientist.^{[citation needed]}

In March 2009 Chinese authorities denied the vessel permission to pass between Taiwan and China.^[4] In August 2009, Marcus G. Langseth was named in a Canadian lawsuit seeking to halt its seismic tomography experiment.^[5] The lawsuit was dismissed, diplomatic clearance was issued and the ship sailed after a delay of a day.^[6][7]