The R. V. Mary Anning

Swansea University’s New Research Vessel!

History

Mary Anning (1799-1847) was one of the earliest female marine biologists, fossil collector and Palaeontologists. She helped discover the Jurassic era of marine fossil beds at Lyme Regis by making some important discoveries. Which includes the skeleton of the first ichthyosaur to be recognised and the first two plesiosaur skeletons ever found, as well as many more.

Despite this, her gender and her social class prevented her from fully participating in the scientific community in early 19th century Britain. After she died, her groundbreaking contributions to Palaeontology were largely forgotten.

In 2010, the Royal Society named her as one of the top 10 British Women to influence the history of science.

And now, thanks to 3rd-year student Alicia Laing who named our new vessel, we celebrate her history!

Listen to this 🔈

This Pinch of SALT podcast episode gives an insight into the work of the vessel and the experience, knowledge and skills of the vessel’s staff.

Episode 24 - Ship-shape in Swansea Fashion: The Learning Environment at Sea

Our R.V.Mary Anning was Christened by Game of Thrones star Iwan Rheon

Our R.V.Mary Anning is here in Swansea

Fun fact! The popular tongue twister 'she sells seashells' was based on Anning

Vessel Specification

18.5m x 6m Survey Vessel
Cruising Speed 18kts with a sprint speed of 25kts.
Dual Coded Category II (60nm from a safe haven) 12 passengers + 2 crew
PV, VI (4 nm from port) 25 passengers.
Range at cruising speed 500nm.
High decked bridge with marine mammal observation deck above.
Fore cabin - galley and mess (also converts to twin cabin).
Mid cabin - computer lab.
Aft cabin – wet lab with stainless steel benches, continuous clean scientific seawater on tap. Heated clothes drying room, shower and heads accessed through this cabin.
Below deck – 2 x triple cabins. 2 x 1000hp MAN engines, 2 x clean output generators.

She is designed as a stable working platform that can work inshore as well as offshore with the speed to reach destinations quickly if needed, her most economical speed is 18 kts which is reasonably fast for a vessel of this size.