A venerable ocean research vessel docks this morning at the East End: the Canadian Coast Guard’s Hudson is making its last call on the island.

The St George’s visit is part of the 53-year-old ship’s first stretch of an oceanographic trip from Halifax to Bermuda.

Described as Canada’s premier deep water oceanographic vessel, she was the first ship to circumnavigate the Americas from pole to pole.

The 296ft Hudson has also played a key role in numerous search and rescue missions.

With roughly 30 scientists on board under the command of Captain Rick Cotie, the latest mission covers everything from sea sponges to the Gulf Stream.

Her stop at the Olde Towne on the cusp of Cup Match is a routine port of call before the Hudson heads back north.

It is momentous journey, as the ship is nearing the end of its working life and is scheduled to be replaced.