SEWARD JOHNSON

SEWARD JOHNSON (IMO: 8408002) sailing under the Panama flag. It has an overall length of 203 feets and a beam of 36 feets.

Vessel Identification

• MMSI: 351859000
• IMO: 8408002
• Call Sign: HP5896
• Vessel Type: Research Vessel
• Flag State: Panama
• Official Number: 8408002

Specifications

• Gross Tonnage: 2,628 GT
• Length Overall: 68.9 m (226 ft)
• Beam: 12.8 m (42 ft)
• Draft: 4.9 m (16 ft)
• Displacement: 3,146 tons

Propulsion

• Propulsion Type: Diesel-Electric
• Engine Configuration: Twin screw
• Bow Thruster: Yes, fitted with bow thruster for enhanced maneuverability
• Speed: Approximately 12 knots service speed

Shipyard

• Builder: Halter Marine
• Build Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
• Year Built: 1984
• Build Number: 1275

Owner / Operator

• Owner: Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) / Florida Atlantic University
• Previous Operator: Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution
• Management: Florida Atlantic University, Harbor Branch Campus

Navigation / Communications Equipment

• AIS Class: Class A AIS Transponder
• Navigation Systems: GPS navigation suite
• Communication Systems: GMDSS compliant communications systems
• Radar: Marine radar systems fitted

Operating Region

• Primary Operating Area: Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico
• Research Zones: Western North Atlantic, tropical and subtropical marine environments
• Port of Registry: Panama

Vessel Description

The vessel is a dedicated oceanographic research ship constructed specifically for deep-sea scientific operations. Originally built for Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, the vessel has served as a primary platform for marine science research for several decades. The ship is equipped to support submersible operations and has historically been used in conjunction with deep-diving research submersibles, including the Johnson-Sea-Link series. The vessel supports a range of scientific disciplines including marine biology, geology, and oceanography. It features laboratory spaces, specialized scientific equipment handling systems, and accommodations for scientific personnel alongside the working crew. The design emphasizes station-keeping capability and scientific payload capacity, making it well suited for extended research cruises in open ocean and coastal environments.