RV Linnaeus
The RV Linnaeus is part of the Southern Coastal Research Vessel Fleet and is owned and operated by CSIRO. RV Linnaeus is designed for multi-disciplinary research, featuring a spacious rear deck with a crane, open transom, and ‘A’ frames for stable operations.
Moored at Hillary’s Yacht Club in Perth, the vessel is ideal for nearshore and offshore research, particularly researching the characteristics of the Western Australia’s Leeuwin Current. It also undertakes extended research cruises along the Western Australian coastline, frequently operating from Exmouth to explore the Ningaloo Reef, monitor dredge plume impacts, and conduct fish community surveys as far north as Broome.
Capabilities
With in-house expertise and partnerships across government and research agencies, RV Linnaeus delivers high-quality, professional research capabilities across Western Australia’s marine environment. Routine tasks include:
- mooring deployments
- biogeochemical sampling
- benthic surveys
- towed camera studies
- supporting AUV and BRUV surveys.
The vessel also plays a key role in the Western Australian Integrated Marine Observing System (WA IMOS) National Mooring Network, maintaining a suite of moored instrumentation and conducting monthly water sampling at the Rottnest Island National Reference Station, which has been monitored since 1951.
Equipment
Its adaptability allows for the integration of specialised instruments, including CSIRO’s multi-beam transducer for bathymetric mapping and a USBL transducer for precise tracking. Additional equipment includes:
- advanced navigational software and an underway system that continuously logs oceanographic data
- CTD water sampling carousel for real-time water quality measurements down to 6000 m.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 17.1 metres |
| Beam | 4.5 metres |
| Draft | 1.5 metres |
| Builder | Millman Boats (Geraldton, WA) |
| Launched | 2002- re-launched for CSIRO in 2007 |
| Hull construction | Aluminium (white fibreglass superstructure) |
| Decks | 3 (rear deck, wheelhouse and accommodation) |
| Power | Single825 hp Caterpillar C12.9 (2023) |
| Cruising speed | 19 knots |
| Trawl | Trawl valve fitted for low-speed surveys 0.5 – 4 kn |
| Fuel capacity (diesel) | 3400 L (plus additional 1500 L removable fuel bladders) |
Contact
Ryan Crossing - RV Linnaeus
Email: Ryan.Crossing@csiro.au