The OSD-IMT2003 Geotechnical Research vessel is a shallow draught vessel specifically designed for working in coastal waters. In addition to having twin azimuth units and a multidirectional bow thruster, the vessel is equipped with a four point mooring system to ensure precise positioning when the seabed core sampling drilling unit is in operation. The vessel’s hydraulically operated drop keel is fitted with sonar sensors . The vessel is also capable of water column measurements and seabed sampling.