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Under Construction

April 4, 2012

The original research vessel Atlantis, seen here under construction in Copenhagen, was something of a novelty for its designers, naval architects Owen & Minot, who specialized in racing yachts, and its builder, the Danish shipyard Burmeister & Wain, which specialized in freighters. The keel was laid in October, 1930, the ship was launched on December 31, and it arrived in Woods Hole on August 31, 1931 to begin its career as an oceanographic research vessel. Last year WHOI won the bid for one of two new research ships being commissioned by the U.S. Navy. It is expected to join the Institution’s fleet in 2015.(Photo courtesy of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Archives)