Legendary ocean explorer Dr. Robert Ballard launches the new Ocean Exploration Centre at Titanic Belfast
Marcon’s latest exhibition fit-out has opened at Titanic Belfast – Northern Ireland’s top tourist attraction. Having completed the original interior fit-out of the iconic building in time for the Titanic Belfast’s opening in 2012 the Marcon team has now successfully handed over the Ocean Exploration Centre within a challenging 4 week period.
Dr Robert Ballard, a former US Navy Officer, who rose to fame on September 1 1985 when he discovered RMS Titanic in the Atlantic Ocean, was the guest of honour at the opening of the Ocean Exploration Centre which provides fascinating insights into modern 21st century ocean exploration.
The OEC at Titanic Belfast offers state-of-the-art technology unique to the venue, bringing valuable insights to the undersea world and its mysteries to visitors and education groups of all ages.
It also offers exciting live interactions with Dr. Ballard’s exploration vessel E/V Nautilus as it explores the world’s oceans, as well as an exclusive link with Dr. Ballard’s Inner Space Centre in Rhode Island, USA.
The new centre is the last gallery within the Titanic tour and adds an engaging end to the visitor attraction. The OEC has numerous interactive elements that allow visitors to witness an actual underwater expeditions in real-time, control an ROV ((Remotely Operated Vehicle) and touch and feel some of the high-tech equipment used during the expeditions.
Titanic Belfast’s Ocean Exploration Centre Manager Susan Heaney said: “Visitors, educators and students can now learn about the shores, oceans and marine life around us in a fun, engaging and interactive gallery using the most amazing technology.
Dr Robert Ballard said: “Credit must go to Titanic Belfast for its investment and vision in such an important subject matter. We have learned a lot about the oceans from Titanic’s tragedy, lessons that we abide by to this day.
“Titanic is teaching us day by day, and through the new Ocean Exploration Centre at Titanic Belfast we can continue to appreciate the importance of oceans around us and fascinating life within them.
“I’m excited about being at Titanic Belfast to see its new OEC and proud to endorse its aims and values.”
Martin McErlean, Contracts Manager, Marcon Fit-Out said: “We are really proud to be involved in yet another exciting project within this iconic venue. The successful fit-out of the new Ocean Exploration Centre continues our longstanding relationship with Titanic Belfast and is a tribute to the Titanic team’s vision and hard work.
Image Caption above : Dr Robert Ballard (centre) cuts the ribbon at the opening of the new Ocean Exploration Centre, Titanic Belfast.
