Westlake provides 3D measurement services to shipyards, owners, naval architects, and government agencies across the East and West Coasts of the United States, selectively taking on projects globally. A highlight of our work in this sector has been on the NOAA Okeanos Explorer.

The Okeanos is a 224-foot exploration-focused vessel equipped with four types of mapping sonars and two dual-body remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). The ship has explored waters off the coasts of Indonesia, the Galapagos islands, parts of the Gulf of Mexico, the Northeast United States Atlantic Coast, and parts of the West Coast and Alaska since its official launch in 2010. It is the only federal vessel dedicated solely to exploration for discovery and advancement of knowledge about the ocean.

We have provided our expertise in service of the ship for 5 separate projects since 2006 including as-built surveying and layout for the exterior hull, deck, dock floor, fairing and mounting structures, sonar transducers, and scientific/operational equipment.

The Okeanos is a fascinating ship that has contributed to a wealth of scientific discovery. Its ROVs have explored the Mariana Trench using ship-based sonar mapping and ROV imaging to reveal unknown features, and have discovered previously unknown marine species. A previously unknown genus and species of sea star, found in the waters around Hawaii, is even named Okeanosaster hohonui in honor of the ship. We’re proud to play a role in keeping the Okeanos ready for exploration.

You can follow the expeditions of the Okeanos Explorer here.