KUWAIT, Nov 19 (KUNA) -- The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) has completed the initial oceanographic mission of its research vessel "Al-Mustakshif," marking a major step toward establishing a comprehensive baseline database for Kuwait's marine environment.
Director of the Coastal and Marine Resources Management Program at KISR, Dr. Turki Al-Saeed, said in a press statement that the successful completion of voyage ALM001 represents a historic milestone for the country's marine research effort, noting that the mission was carried out in October in collaboration with four scientific projects supported by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS).
Al-Saeed said the cruise showcased the research vessel's full operational readiness, including its onboard laboratories and advanced monitoring systems, which were prepared and calibrated by specialized experts and engineers, enabling scientific teams to conduct precise sampling at coastal and offshore stations, in addition to continuous monitoring operations.
He explained that the integration of multiple fields, allowed researchers to gather extensive data on both surface and seabed ecosystems and to analyze more than 30 environmental indicators using advanced scientific instruments.
The data collected, he stated, will play a strategic role in future studies on climate change, coastal ecosystem modeling and national environmental monitoring, as well as will support the environmental goals of the New Kuwait 2035 Vision.
He pointed out that the successful mission sets the stage for regular seasonal research cruises and strengthens Kuwait's position in regional marine science.
He noted that "Al-Mustakshif" is among the most advanced research vessels in the Middle East, measuring 56 meters in length and equipped with seven specialized laboratories.
The vessel can remain at sea for up to 18 consecutive days and accommodates 15 crew members and 14 scientists, as well as fitted with state-of-the-art bathymetric survey equipment, sonar technologies and dynamic positioning systems to support high-precision marine surveys. (end)
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