b'MEMBER NEWSSiemens Energy to Provide Propulsion Upgrades for NOAA Vessel T heNationalOceanicandimproved fire detection systems, newstaterooms,alldesignedtoenhance AtmosphericAdministrationpumps,fans,cranes,andradars,asoperational efficiency, scientific capa-(NOAA) has planned a mid- wellasadditionalsingle-occupancybilities, and crew comfort.life modernization for one of its ves-sels, including propulsion upgrades by PVA member Siemens Energy. At the end of the 2026 field season, theOscarDyson,whichwascom-missioned in 2005, will go to a ship-yard in Alaska for work to be done. Expectations are that the vessel will be ready to return to service for the 2028 field season. A highlight of the upgrade is Siemens EnergysSISHIPBlueDrivePlusC low-voltagedirectcurrent(LVDC) propulsionsystem,whichdramat-icallyimprovesfuelefficiencyand reduces emissions. The system mini-mizesspecificfuelconsumption(g/kWh)duringoperations,aligning with NOAAs sustainability goals and setting a new standard for energy-effi-cient research vessels.Retired Rear Admiral Bryant Fuller, headoffederalmaritimeprograms at Siemens Energy, noted the compa-nyslongstandingpartnershipwith NOAA,stating,TheOscarDysons upgradewithourBlueDrivePlusC propulsionsystemisatestamentto oursharedcommitmenttosustain-ability,innovation,andoperational excellence in the maritime sector.The upcoming upgrades will include advanced, Tier 4 variable-speed gener-ators, quiet air conditioning motors, 51 OCTOBER 2025'