KAUST has commissioned Freire Shipyards to build the RV Thuwal II, Saudi Arabia's first regional class research vessel, expected to be completed in 2026. The vessel will be 50m long and designed for a 30-year lifespan, with modular labs and green propulsion technologies. It will support marine research in the Red Sea, accommodate 30 people, and aid in emergency response. Why it matters: This investment enhances Saudi Arabia's research capabilities in marine science and positions KAUST as a hub for Red Sea exploration and international scientific collaboration.
KAUST and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) are collaborating to research the Red Sea's shallow reef and deep-water environments. The partnership utilizes Japanese specialty equipment and the KAUST-owned research vessel RV Thuwal, with funding from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and KAUST. The initiative will address critical data gaps about the Red Sea and provide information for government regulations. Why it matters: This collaboration will advance understanding of the Red Sea's unique environment, relevant to Saudi Arabia's giga-projects and environmental protection efforts.
The Coastal and Marine Resources (CMR) Core Lab at KAUST has received two safety awards from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). They received a Gold Award for overall health and safety and a Bronze Award for fleet management safety. The CMR Core Lab operates a fleet of research and support vessels, including Saudi Arabia’s first fully equipped research vessel, the RV Thuwal. Why it matters: These awards highlight KAUST's commitment to safety and excellence in marine science research and operations within the region.