All American launches research catamaran for NOAA

Noaa Ocnms Launch 03

(BELLINGHAM, Wash.) — All American Marine (AAM) has launched a 50-foot research vessel for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), designated for the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (OCNMS) in Washington state.

The twin-engine Teknicraft Design vessel was constructed by AAM to U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter T standards. The vessel will carry up to 18 personnel on a near coastal route. OCNMS includes 3,188 square miles of water off the rugged Olympic Peninsula coastline. The sanctuary extends 25 to 50 miles seaward, covering much of the continental shelf and several major submarine canyons.

Noaa Ocnms Launch 03
All American Marine photo

The semi-displacement catamaran hull for this vessel was developed by Nic de Waal of Teknicraft Design in Auckland, New Zealand. The design integrates a Teknicraft hull shape and is complemented by Teknicraft’s signature integration of a wave piercer that is positioned between the catamaran sponsons to break up wave action and ensure reduced drag while conducting research. The catamaran is also highly stable and has outstanding seakeeping ability.

For the operator, one of the most valuable features of this vessel is the excellent fuel economy. Powered by twin Cummins QSC8.3 engines with twin propellers, this custom vessel will serve as a valuable asset for NOAA’s specific mission. The vessel will host a variety of research missions and visiting scientists concentrating on seafloor mapping, habitat characterization, data collection, and the monitoring of the health of ocean species and marine wildlife.

“All American Marine worked diligently with Teknicraft to design a flexible platform that could quickly and easily be reconfigured depending on the current mission. This feature was critical for NOAA’s research purposes,” said Ron Wille, All American Marine’s president and chief operating officer. “All American has constructed a number of vessels for NOAA, and we are always excited to work with this essential agency. The Office of Marine Sanctuaries serves as the trustee for a network of marine protected areas encompassing more than 600,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters from Washington state to the Florida Keys, and from Lake Huron to American Samoa.”

There is approximately 250 square feet of working space on the aft deck, with a complete complement of working gear and an extensive grid of deck sockets. The deck sockets are spaced every 2 feet and allow equipment and gear to be secured, moved or removed from the working deck. There is a flybridge with a bimini top covering on the upper deck, allowing vessel operations from a higher elevation while conducting research missions. The top deck also features an InterOcean conduction wire winch, hauling winch, and a Morgan 300.4 crane. The main deck features an adjustable A-frame for launching scientific equipment.

Additional features of the research vessel include a wet laboratory for examining specimens and a dry laboratory for processing data. On the main deck is a fully equipped galley and dinette with settee/bunk, kitchenette and wet head. NOAA plans to exercise all options to be included in the vessel, including an upgrade on the working deck equipment, a removable universal sonar mount where additional scientific equipment can be placed, and an HVAC upgrade.

“A larger, more stable vessel will not only expand the potential for OCNMS operations but also make it a more viable asset for our partners,” said Kevin Grant, deputy superintendent of Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. “This new vessel will help the sanctuary provide science-based solutions that address evolving environmental pressures on our ocean and coasts.”

– All American Marine

By Professional Mariner Staff