The following is text of a news release from All American Marine (AAM):
(BELLINGHAM, Wash.) — All American Marine has completed construction and launched R/V Shearwater, an aluminum research and survey vessel for Duke University. The Duke University Marine Lab (DUML) is a hydrofoil-assisted catamaran and is an exemplary arrangement from Teknicraft Design. AAM is the exclusive builder of Teknicraft Design hulls in North America.
The new 77-by-26.5-foot vessel was based upon two successful Teknicraft Design vessels AAM built for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Teknicraft’s patented hydrofoil-assisted hull design is proven to have low-wake wash energy and fuel economy. The vessel is powered by twin Tier 3 Caterpillar C18 “D” ACERT engines, rated at 803 hp/2,100 rpm. The vessel has a cruising speed of 24 knots and live-aboard accommodations for 14 people. Driven by twin fixed-pitch propellers, this research vessel can accommodate up to 30 passengers and is constructed and certified under U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter T regulations.
The vessel will allow marine scientists from DUML and other institutions to conduct research along the Atlantic seaboard in a wide range of fields including marine ecology and conservation, biological oceanography, and renewable energy ocean development. The Duke Marine Lab is a year-round teaching and research campus located on Pivers Island in Beaufort, N.C. It offers academic programs at the doctoral, masters and undergraduate levels, and is home to the Nicholas School of the Environment Marine Science and Conservation programs. The vessel was procured as part of an $11 million gift for the construction and operation of a new state-of-the-art research vessel that will expand teaching, research and outreach capabilities at the marine lab. The lab has been without a large research vessel since two of its boats were retired. The 135-foot Cape Hatteras retired in 2012 and the 50-foot Susan Hudson retired in 2014.
In addition to the university’s programs, the vessel will also be used to support science outreach programs for local K-12 teachers, students, and community members. Researchers and instructors from other institutions will also be able to charter the vessel for scientific or educational purposes.
