As much as possible, RV Investigator must be all things to all Australian marine scientists, as Australia has only one blue-water research vessel. The vessel will support atmospheric, oceanographic, biological and geoscience research. This diverse and complex approach to marine and atmospheric science is on the leading edge of ocean research.

Australia’s oceans are estimated to contribute $42 billion annually to our economy, increasing to over $100 billion in ten years. The ship is technically impressive and will open up avenues of discovery both within and across scientific disciplines. With an enviable suite of equipment, the ship will dramatically improve the national marine knowledge, putting Australia at the forefront of ocean research globally.