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R/V Knorr, 1970-2010

 Series

Scope and Content Note

The Knorr series contains logbooks, graphs, charts, notes and photographs relating to various scientific activities aboard the Knorr. Logbooks sometimes contain notes, photographs or other materials inserted, taped, glued, or stapled into the logs. Materials were kept in place in the logs. The last half of the series is largely composed of navigation logs and engine logs.

Dates

  • Creation: 1970-2010

Access

Open: materials are available for research.

Historical Note

Knorr was delivered to WHOI in April 1970. R/V Knorr (AGOR-15) was named in honor of Ernest R. Knorr, a distinguished early hydrographic engineer and cartographer who was appointed senior civilian and Chief Engineer Cartographer of the US Navy Hydrographic Office in 1860.

Knorr is an all purpose scientific vessel designed to accommodate a wide range of oceanographic tasks. Its forward and aft azimuthing propellers allow the ship to move in any direction or to maintain a fixed position in high winds and rough seas. The vessel's other unique features, like anti-roll tanks and ice strengthened bow, enable Knorr to travel the world's oceans.

In 1991 Knorr returned to WHOI after undergoing a 32 month major mid-life refit. The vessel was upgraded and refitted at the McDermott Shipyard in Amelia, Louisiana. An additional 34' was added to Knorr's length at the middle providing room for a new laboratory and machinery space. In addition, Knorr's twin azimuthing propulsion system was installed.

Sister ship: Melville , operated by Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego.

Specifications

  1. Built: 1968 byDefoe Shipbuilding Co.,Bay City, Michigan. Designed and built under the direction of theNaval Systems Command, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, 9th Naval District
  2. Length: 245' originally, 279' after refit
  3. Beam: 46'
  4. Draft: 16'

[Taken from History of WHOI Research Vessels website.]

Extent

15.5 boxes (19.5 lin. ft.)

Language

From the Collection: English

From the Collection: English

Arrangement

Logs are arranged by cruise and leg number, and chronologically thereunder. Logs that are not associated with a particular cruise, such as engine logs, are arranged chronologically at the end of the series.

Related Material

See also AC-21, Titanic collection for a hand-written navigation log from Knorr cruise 115, leg 3.

Repository Details

Part of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Data Library and Archives Repository

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