Visited ports: Albatros, Circulo Cultural De, Savannah, Southwestern, Mindelo
MARCUS G. LANGSETH
Vessel Identification
| Field |
Data |
| Vessel Name |
Marcus G. Langseth |
| MMSI |
367059880 |
| IMO Number |
9010137 |
| Call Sign |
WDC6698 |
| Flag State |
United States |
| Vessel Type |
Research/Survey Vessel |
| Official Number |
1144110 |
Specifications
| Field |
Data |
| Length Overall |
71.9 m (235.9 ft) |
| Beam |
16.2 m (53.1 ft) |
| Draft |
5.9 m (19.4 ft) |
| Gross Tonnage |
3,834 GT |
| Net Tonnage |
1,150 NT |
| Displacement |
~5,000 tonnes |
| Year Built |
1991 |
Propulsion
| Field |
Data |
| Propulsion Type |
Diesel-Electric |
| Propeller Configuration |
Twin Screw / Azimuthing Thrusters |
| Dynamic Positioning |
DP-2 Capable |
| Bow Thrusters |
Yes |
Shipyard
| Field |
Data |
| Builder |
Halter Marine |
| Build Location |
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| Year Delivered |
1991 |
| Original Name |
Geco Tau |
Owner / Operator
| Field |
Data |
| Owner |
National Science Foundation (NSF) |
| Operator |
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO), Columbia University |
| Management |
Columbia University/LDEO under NSF Academic Research Fleet (ARF) |
| Home Port |
Port of Pascagoula, Mississippi (primary operating port varies) |
Navigation / Communications Equipment
| Field |
Data |
| AIS Class |
Class A |
| Navigation Systems |
GPS, DGPS |
| Echo Sounders |
Multi-beam and single-beam systems |
| Dynamic Positioning |
Kongsberg DP system |
| Communications |
VSAT Satellite Communications, SSB Radio, VHF/UHF Radio |
Scientific / Survey Equipment
| Field |
Data |
| Primary Capability |
Multi-channel seismic (MCS) reflection and refraction |
| Seismic Source |
Large-volume air gun array (up to 36 air guns) |
| Streamer Capacity |
Up to 8 km seismic streamer |
| Additional Systems |
Ocean bottom seismometers (OBS) deployment, sub-bottom profiling |
| Winches |
Multiple large-capacity scientific winches |
| Laboratory Space |
Extensive onboard laboratory facilities |
Operating Region
- Operates globally as part of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet (ARF)
- Primary focus on oceanographic and geophysical research
- Notable operational areas include:
- Atlantic Ocean
- Pacific Ocean
- Arctic and Sub-Arctic regions
- Gulf of Mexico
- Missions coordinated through NSF and UNOLS (University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System)
Vessel Description
The Marcus G. Langseth is the United States' premier academic seismic research vessel, operated by the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) of Columbia University under the sponsorship of the National Science Foundation (NSF). Originally constructed in 1991 as the Geco Tau for commercial seismic survey operations, the vessel was extensively converted and refurbished for academic research use before entering the U.S. Academic Research Fleet.
Named in honor of Marcus G. Langseth, a pioneering geophysicist at LDEO known for his work in marine heat flow research, the vessel is uniquely equipped as the only U.S. academic vessel capable of conducting large-scale, multi-channel seismic reflection and refraction surveys. It supports a broad range of earth science investigations including studies of crustal structure, plate tectonics, sedimentary basin analysis, and sub-seafloor geology.
The ship's diesel-electric propulsion system and DP-2 dynamic positioning capability allow it to maintain precise station-keeping during sensitive scientific operations. With capacity for extended deep-sea expeditions and a complement of scientific berths, the Langseth supports multi-disciplinary research teams deployed on cruises typically lasting weeks to months. The vessel plays a critical role in advancing understanding of Earth's lithosphere, ocean basin formation, and geohazard assessment.
Data compiled from MMSI 367059880 | IMO 9010137 | Sources: UNOLS Fleet, MarineTraffic, NSF/LDEO official documentation