A147 4 Department of Energy Nevada Operations Office PO. Box 14100 Las Vegas, NV 89114 JUL 12 1978 James L, Liverman, Acting Assistant Secretary for Environment, Headquarters MARSHALL ISLANDS-RESEARCH VESSEL As you and your staff are abundantly aware, the EV programs in the Marshall Islands have been badly handicapped since the loss of our dedicated research vessel Liktanur last October. We have been able to support a few of the most essential projects by chartering Trust Territory field trip ships but without exception the scientific parties have found these unsatisfactory. Their scheduling is erratic, the cost is excessive and the ships themselves are not suitably configured. We have also received some criticism in the Press for utilizing scarce Trust Territory assets, and the High Commissioner has indicated that he will not be able to continue to provide this support. Roger Ray, working with the PASO staff in Honolulu, has examined a number of alternatives for providing a replacement research vessel at reasonable cost. Our Property Management staff has continuously screened appropriate excess property sources. A number of ships have been considered and those appearing to have promise have been inspected. Assistance in this effort has been obtained from the Army, the Navy, the University of Hawaii Marine Center and private contractors. The evaluation has almost reached the point where a firm proposal can be made, The vessel which we expect to propose is a YFU, which resembles an LCU, but is far more suitable for open ocean travel, The particular vessel we have in mind is YFU-81, available from the Navy at Guam. It will require reactivation and renovatioa at a cost currently estimated at $450K (+ 15%). The operating cost should be in the range of our Liktanur costs, i.e., $425 - $450K per year. The detailed breakdown of activation costs between FY-78 and FY-79 will depend upon when authorization to proceed is received. The divison between capital and operating funds is being studied. ;, yi a yet \ “ee s\ ¢ "g. C | a 4 4 IO iy ee i und wy ‘ BONS, .