[social_warfare]

R/V Skalugsuak

[lastupdated]

Thanks to the generous support of our partners, the St. Lawrence Shark Observatory (ORS | GEERG) now operates an efficient, robust and dependable research vessel that has greatly expanded the range and scope of our research activities in the St. Lawrence Estuary. Special thanks go to Verreault Navigation (Les Méchins, QC), Bombardier Recreational Products (Valcourt, QC), and Evinrude (Sturtevant, WI).

Our vessel is certified by Transport Canada and is fully insured by DPA Assurances (April Canada) for commercial operations. However, we are not licensed to conduct charter trips for sport divers.

Our flagship Skalugsuak is operated by ORS director Jeffrey Gallant (Master Limited 60GT, MED A1)

The Greenland Shark and Elasmobranch Education and Research Group (GEERG) acquired the Skalugsuak in 2011 thanks to a generous donation by Verreault Navigation.

The R/V Skalugsuak—Inuit name of the Greenland shark—was modernised and adapted to meet our requirements at the Verreault Navigation shipyard, in Les Méchins, Québec. Retrofitting of the vessel propulsion system was conducted by BRP (Bombardier recreational Products) and Evinrude in 2015.

ORS | GEERG scientists are now able to safely, comfortably, and reliably conduct their study of northern sharks and skates.

The captain of the R/V Skalugsuak proudly posing by our BRP Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 engines. Photo © Patricia Hay | GEERG

Vessel Details

Vessel name: SKALUGSUAK
Captain: Jeffrey Gallant (Master Limited 60GT, MED A1, SVOP, MED A3, CROM, Marine First Aid)
Official number (Transport Canada): 835721
Small Vessel Compliance Program (SVCP): 2404266 (2024)
Port of registry: Québec (2011)
Type of vessel : Special (Science)
Gross tonnage: 9.41
Length: 9.84 m
Breadth: 3.58 m
Depth: 1.67 m
Brake power: 2 X 300 HP (Evinrude, E-TEC G2), Outboard, Gas
Maximum crew and passengers: 12 (or 6 fully equipped divers)
Build: 1983 (Adams Boatbuilding, Madison, Indiana)
Refit: 2013 (Verreault Navigation, Les Méchins, Quebec)
Engine retrofit: 2015 (BRP / Evinrude)
Offset-load test (ISO 12217-1), 2012: Category C – Waves (2 m), Beaufort (6), Wind (33 kt). Updated in 2015 after engine retrofit
Insurance: DPA Assurances (April Canada)

Before & After

Images of Skalugsuak before her modernisation and retrofitting by Verreault Navigation, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), and Evinrude.

Gallery