Research Vessel
Welcome aboard!
Learn about the Golden Shadow, the vessel that is transporting the scientific team and crew around the globe!
When Golden Shadow was launched in 1994 she was the largest yacht built in the USA since 1931 (67 meters). She was built by Campbell Shipyard in San Diego, USA. She has just been refitted (2006) and forms part of the Living Oceans Foundation ‘Golden Fleet’.
The original concept behind the Golden Shadow was to provide logistical support for the Golden Odyssey (another vessel of the Golden Fleet). Along with the fishing yacht, Golden Osprey, and the Golden Eye seaplane, she became part of the Golden Fleet.
With her unique stern elevator, which recovers the Golden Eye, and her vast diving locker complete with recompression chamber, she became a perfect platform from which to launch oceanographic expeditions. The stern elevator can handle loads up to 12 tons, and is invaluable for diving access and recovery in difficult sea conditions. The Golden Shadow hosts twin 9 cylinder Deutz engines, which give her a maximum speed of 17 knots.
Golden Shadow normally sails with a multi national crew of twenty. Her Officers are mainly from the UK and the crew is a mostly a mix of Malaysians and Singaporeans. She also carries Nepalese Ghurkas as security personnel.
The Golden Eye seaplane is a Cessna 208 complete with Wipair floats. She can land on either water or land and carries a maximum of 11 people, including 2 pilots.
Golden Shadow carries a variety of speedboats, from small inflatables to a 60 mph racing boat. She has 2 satellite telephones, as well as a worldwide internet connection. Built to the most stringent safety regulations she carries 4 life-rafts, for a total of 100 person lifesaving capacity.
Her bridge is an array of flat screen technology. Coupled with digital charts and satellite navigation, she is one of the safest ships around.
A large galley (kitchen) with huge walk in refridgerators and freezers means that she can travel up to 3 weeks before needing to re-supply. A garbage management system, including an incinerator, makes sure that no waste is thrown into the sea. Water makers, which convert salt water to fresh water, produce up to 50,000 litres per day.
The vessel provides worldwide, long-term research opportunities to the scientific community. Past research voyages have visited such places as Tahiti, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, the Egyptian Red Sea and the Seychelles.
Take a look at the following links to begin your tour of the Golden Shadow:
