The SS Explorer – Leith, Edinburgh was Scotland’s first purpose-built Fisheries Research Vessel and in addition to studying Fish stocks, fishing practices and equipment, continued areas of maritime research pioneered by HMS Challenger. This research played a crucial role in the development of our fishing industry technology and our understanding of the seas and their ecosystems. Explorer is also a survivor, having survived the shipbreakers on two occasions and a collision on a dark night in the Cromarty Firth.
SS Explorer was commissioned by the Scottish Home Department in 1945 to operate for the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen. Built by Alexander Hall and Co in Aberdeen and launched on the 21st June 1955, Explorer was Scotland’s leading scientific research vessel in service for the Marine Lab for 28 years.
