The world's most modern and Europe's second largest underwater archaeology ship "UPL", which was built jointly by institutions, non-governmental organizations and companies such as the Mediterranean Archaeology Association, UPL Agriculture and Ares Shipyard, made its maiden voyage from Setur Antalya Marina.

 

 

Funda Sönmez, Setur Marinas Antalya Accounting Manager

 

The UPL, which will be used in underwater excavations and researches to be carried out on the Mediterranean coast, is a very special 38-meter-long ship with the highest technologies in the field of underwater archaeology. Equipped with a multi-beam sonar that can take 3-D images from 500 meters depth, an XRF analyzer and a five-person pressure chamber that enables work in deeper areas, the ship can also generate its own electricity with solar panels and obtain 1.5 tons of fresh water per hour from seawater with a purification device. In this respect, UPL is a green ship with a minimal carbon footprint. The ship has a meeting room, a special laboratory for artifacts recovered from the sea and high-level equipment for 22 scientists.

 

Speaking at the launching ceremony of the UPL on June 2 at Setur Antalya Marina, Antalya Deputy Governor Suat Seyitoğlu said that "revealing the values under water as well as above ground is very important for the common human heritage" and thanked everyone who contributed to the project.

 

 

Akdeniz University Head of Cultural Heritage Conservation and Repair Department Assoc. Prof. Hakan Öniz said, "I am an underwater archaeologist. Every underwater archaeologist has a dream of such a ship. I spent my childhood watching Captain Cousteau's documentaries. Now we have a ship that is much bigger than his, with much higher technology, and that provides the comfort of our team members and students involved in excavation and research," he said, sharing his excitement with the guests.

 

UPL Turkey Country Manager Murat Yahyaoğlu, the name sponsor of the UPL ship, stated that he believes that very good discoveries will be made with the environmentally sensitive research ship, while Halil Köstekli, UPL Marketing and Business Development Manager, said that the ship will make important contributions to cultural heritage by unearthing historical remains that have never been touched underground.

 

Having successfully completed its first voyage, UPL will conduct its first research off the coast of Kemer. We will continue to trace valuable remains with it and keep you informed.

 

Photographs: Funda Sönmez