Sea-Ranger

The nautical publication and training company Witherby Group has acquired the 'Sea Ranger' to carry out coastal survey work in the strategic Sunda and Lombok Straits, on contract to the government of Indonesia. The vessel, which was the first research ship of the Schmidt Oceanographic Research Institute, has been named 'Sea Ranger' (ex name 'Lone Ranger'). IT was originally built as one of the world’s largest ocean-going salvage tugs. The vessel will be instrumental in advancing the work of Witherby. The 'Sea Ranger' will replace the 'Astra', a small research boat that has since been sold. In 2022, the 'Astra' had made history as the first sub-24-meter motor-powered vessel to circumnavigate the globe within five months. The 'Sea Ranger' was undergoing reactivation and refit works as well as stress testing all of the equipment onboard before entering service in 2026, in time for a project to write technical guides for safe passage in the Lombok and Sunda straits, among other strategic choke points. It will support maritime knowledge and safety through research directly linked to shipboard operations and strengthen the delivery of computer-based training programs. Witherby intends to utilize the 'Sea Ranger' to conduct comprehensive testing and review of guides for the Lombok and Sunda straits, which are vital connectors between the Indian Ocean and the Java Sea. The vessel is also expected to play a central role in enabling Witherby to expand and improve its publications on maritime security, environmental protection and shipboard operations by providing facilities for research on emerging security issues, environmental compliance and energy efficiency solutions.