Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) has officially launched its new, 45-foot purpose-built education and conservation outreach vessel, Endurance.

Named for chief sponsor, Bermuda-based Endurance Specialty Insurance, the $450,000 boat was constructed in Canada this year and travelled to Bermuda last month.

Designed as both a floating classroom and research lab, Endurance will allow the expansion of vital initiatives run by BZS, including the popular Schools Programme, as well as marine conservation initiatives by local and visiting scientists.

BZS President William Scott said: "BZS is delighted to have been able to commission Endurance as our new outreach vessel.

"This is the only vessel in Bermuda specifically designed for the purpose of providing educational outreach and research capabilities.

"There is a very strong link between the research activities of BZS and the extensive education programmes that we deliver.

"We will now have the capability to enhance existing programmes, as well as expand the range of opportunities available to Bermudians of all ages."

The Endurance, under boat captain Tim Hasselbring, will allow BZS to increase the number of programmes highlighting Bermuda's marine environment that are offered throughout the year to both schools and BZS members. In particular, it will support middle- and senior-school curricula through field trips to offshore study areas, where students can make their own scientific observations. In-transit lectures can also be carried out, thanks to the vessel's size.

"Endurance is pleased to support the Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) in their latest educational initiative – the floating classroom – and we are thrilled to see the Endurance fully commissioned and ready for use by Bermuda's children and schools," says David Cash, President of Endurance Specialty Insurance.

"Endurance is also very grateful for the considerable time and effort the BZS, its staff and volunteers contributed to this project – without their efforts, the Endurance would not have been conceived and certainly would not have been built.

"Today's launch of the Endurance symbolises our commitment to the BZS and many other cultural institutions of Bermuda which contribute to preserving the quality of life on the Island," said Mr. Cash.

"We are all very confident the Endurance will have a meaningful impact on how our children come to know and understand our Island and we applaud the BZS in its efforts to introduce Bermuda's children to the environment we all live within."

Fieldwork opportunities for interns will be possible, and the boat will facilitate marine-based research projectsand international scientific collaborations.