Refit

The JOIDES Resolution was constructed in 1978 as the Sedco/BP 471, initially for use as an oil exploration vessel. In 1984, after being awarded a long term and exclusive contract with the Ocean Drilling Program, the vessel was converted from oil exploration service to function as a scientific research vessel. Since January 1985, the Sedco/BP 471 has been known in the scientific community as the JOIDES Resolution and has been the center of the very successful Ocean Drilling Program. During this period the JOIDES Resolution has operated extremely efficiently and has attained a reputation as one of, if not, the world's most successful ocean research vessels.

In 1998 the JOIDES Resolution will be 20 years old. While the vessel continues to operate efficiently there are several vital systems aboard which are obsolete by today's technological standards. Many of the systems original manufacturers are no longer in business and spare parts are no longer obtainable. In addition new technological advances have been introduced to the industry which provide for enhanced safety, efficiency and reliability when compared to the older technology now aboard the vessel. Even though the JOIDES Resolution is nearly 20 years old, with the proper upgrades in equipment and maintenance there is no reason to suggest that the vessel cannot continue to operate as efficiently and effectively as in the past for another 15 to 20 years in the future.

The uninterrupted operation of the vessel over the past 15 years has not allowed for complete stripdown, inspection and repair of several systems. If ODP is to continue operating as successfully in the next century as it has become accustomed to, the opportunity to extend the original contract for another 5 years at the existing conditions with the injection of 5 Million in 1992 dollars (based on current rate of escalation it is anticipated that the ODP contribution expected by the ship's owners will be 6.0 Million spread over 1997, 1998, and 1999 with an additional 3.3 Million which they themselves may contribute) is in effect a very attractive consideration when viewing other options available. After such an upgrade and repair period, the JOIDES Resolution can once again embark, with confidence, on a journey to continue unraveling the mysteries of the Earth.

Drydock typically means taking the vessel completely out of the water so that those sections normally under water can be inspected and protected. The current plan is to carry out the necessary drydock activities to meet classification society requirements and the terms of the contract extension over a two month period in June/July 1999. This schedule accommodates the scientific program plan and allows for appropriate management planning, design and equipment procurement activities prior to the drydock.

The vessel has been in drydock twice since the contract with ODP/TAMU commenced. A summary of the past and future drydock costs is presented in the following table.

Year	Location	Approximate Cost	Purpose	Upgrades
1989	Singapore	$1,200,000	Routine-maintain class	None
1994	Falmouth	1,500,000	Routine-maintain class Repair tank corrosion	None
Planned 1999	Far East Singapore?	Estimated $6,000,000 ODP $3,300,000 ODL =$9,300,000 total	Routine-maintain class Prepare for 5 more years Replace obsolete equip. Service existing equip. Improve Quarters Add Improvements	Proposed: Station Keeping (ASK) Power Generation Thrusters Propulsion and Steering Drilling Systems Living Quarters Lab Stack Hull, Tanks, and Pipework Shipboard Systems Health Safety and Environment

Discussions between ODP/TAMU and ODL have identified some ship related improvements which may take place during dry dock, such as modifications to the major labstack and downhole measurements lab.

JOIDES Resolution Refit