The French department for marine archaeological research launched the Alfred Merlin, the newest member of its highly specialized fleet, says an article published in The Art Newspaper.
Alfred Merlin
The Alfred Merlin is named after the French archaeologist who led the world’s first underwater excavation, off the coast of Tunisia.
The ship is a 46m-long shining white beauty with red and blue stripes drawn diagonally on its side.
The vessel has been equipped with a stern gantry that is tall enough to load a small submarine and a bridge bristling with the latest technologies called a bridge of the future.The Alfred Merlin will also contribute to the ongoing search for the Leusden slave ship in Suriname and French Guiana waters.
Director of Drassm on Alfred Merlin
Department’s director, Michel L’Hour says, “It was soon in overwhelmingly high demand. Alfred Merlin is one of the largest ships ever to be made entirely of composite materials. From an archaeological point of view, it is also a game changer.”
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Source : TheArtNewspaper
