Phoenix Supplies Exterior Lights for Research Vessel R/V Sikuliaq 

Project Details

R/V Sikuliaq is an oceanographic research vessel capable of bringing scientists to the ice-chocked waters of Alaska and other polar regions. It is one of the most advanced university research vessels in the world.  R/V Sikuliaq supports multidisciplinary studies through the collection of sediment samples from the seafloor, uses remote operated vehicles and surveys through the water column and sea bottom using extensive instruments.

Challenges

The research vessel required an outdoor lighting retrofit on the bow, aft deck crane bases and back deck. The job required fixtures that could withstand arctic conditions, saltwater, fog, water ingress and cold temperatures.  

Solution

Superior lighting is critical for a vessel sailing into arctic waters. Sikuliaq’s engineers could count on Phoenix to supply lights that overcome their unique challenges. ModCom 2 floodlights were mounted on the bow of the vessel. The ModCom 2 floodlights are designed to withstand the harshest conditions. With 42,000 lumens, researchers can sail safely into the waters ahead. SturdiLEDs were mounted to the crane base on the aft deck as they are shock and vibration resistant. The EcoMod floodlight was chosen for its high lumen output to shine down and properly illuminate the back deck.

Feedback

Phoenix’s fixtures have made it through the harshest winters. Kevin Reinhardt, First Assistant Engineer, commented, “We knew that our Phoenix fixtures would be the right choice no matter what.” Reinhardt adds, “The benefits have been the light output and reliability. Instead of having a quartz tube behind a gasketed pane of glass, we have sturdy, sealed fixtures that output bright, clean light in any weather condition. The last thing I need to worry about are fragile bulbs being subjected to high vibrations as we rumble through the ice.”

About R/V Sikuliaq

R/V Sikuliaq was built in 2014 by fellow Wisconsin-based company, Marinette Marine. Sikuliaq is 261-feet and can break ice up to 2.5 feet thick. The vessel is owned by the National Science Foundation and operated by the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, as part of the U.S. academic research fleet. It is used by scientists in the U.S. and international oceanographic community through the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System. UAF's Sikuliaq Ship Committee provides scientific oversight of Sikuliaq.

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