KAUST Announces Construction of Saudi Arabia’s First Regional Research Vessel
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has announced the construction of Saudi Arabia’s first regional research vessel, “Thuwal 2.” This vessel will lead the Saudi research fleet and support various marine research missions, including mega-projects and government initiatives. The vessel will be built by Freire Shipyards, a company with over 100 years of experience in shipbuilding, at its shipyard in Vigo, Spain.
Expanding Access to the Red Sea
Expected to be completed by 2026, Thuwal 2 will provide full access to the Red Sea. The vessel will explore the region’s coastal waters and deep-sea areas. It will have the capacity to investigate key scientific interests such as coral reefs, marine life, and geological formations. This will enhance research in Saudi Arabia and attract more international partners. The vessel will foster scientific collaboration and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global leader in marine research. The Red Sea is a significant focus for many scientific communities.
Advanced Design and Capabilities
Thuwal 2 will measure 50 meters in length, 12.8 meters in width, and have a draft depth of 3.6 meters. Designed to operate for 30 years, the vessel’s modular design allows for various experimental laboratories that align with current and future marine technologies for Red Sea exploration. It will also integrate new green propulsion technologies to reduce its carbon footprint over time. Besides its primary role as a research vessel, Thuwal 2 will support national emergency responses, including oil spills and maritime and aviation incidents in the Red Sea.
Scientific and Emergency Response Roles
Scientifically, Thuwal 2 can accommodate 30 people, including 12 crew members, with the remaining spaces available for researchers. It will explore the deepest points of the Red Sea and deploy a range of remotely operated vehicles and autonomous underwater submarines for visual and acoustic surveys. The vessel will also take water samples and map the seafloor. Designed by the American company Glosten, the vessel will continue to receive off-site engineering support during construction. Maritime Survey International, an Australian company, will represent KAUST on-site and oversee daily construction activities. Numerous stakeholders in Saudi Arabia, including mega-projects, government ministries, and universities with expertise in ocean sciences and maritime operations, have contributed to planning Thuwal 2.
Commitment to Marine Research
KAUST Vice President for Research, Professor Pierre Magistretti, emphasized that Thuwal 2 symbolizes KAUST’s commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia’s research infrastructure. He noted that the vessel will be available to partners interested in understanding and exploring the Red Sea’s vast potential.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Markus Freire Garcia, a director at Freire Shipyards, expressed confidence in KAUST’s research capabilities. He highlighted that constructing Thuwal 2 reflects KAUST’s commitment to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s marine research infrastructure. The Red Sea holds critical importance in Saudi Arabia’s transformation and playing a key role in its Vision 2030. Its study will impact food security, water management, urban planning, and various other economic sectors. Moreover, it will create new jobs and provide a wealth of knowledge about our planet and its ecosystems.
