FIO’s New Research Vessel Enters Build Phase
The 78’ research vessel designed and engineered by Boksa Marine Design (BMD) in 2015 is headed to the building phase beginning in June. BMD contracted with the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) in February 2015 for the design of a new vessel to replace its current research vessel, the 71’ R/V Bellows. Originally built in 1968, FIO has operated the research boat since 1979 as a floating laboratory for scientists and students studying in the waterways of Florida, the Gulf of Mexico and the Bahamas. FIO is a Florida Academic Infrastructure Support
Boksa Wins Research Vessel Design Contract
Boksa Marine Design informs it has signed a contract with a Florida-based oceanography institute for the design and engineering of a new 78-foot coastal class research vessel. The new boat will replace an existing vessel which has been used as a floating laboratory for scientists and students studying in the waterways of Florida, the Gulf of Mexico and the Bahamas for more than 35 years. “The vessel has a rich history of scientific education and discovery here in Florida, and we hope the new boat will continue the institute’s ongoing mission,” said Nick Boksa
February 2026
