(BELLINGHAM, Wash.) — All American Marine (AAM), a leader in constructing vessels with hybrid and electric propulsion systems, has secured a contract to build a 63-foot hybrid catamaran for the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San).
Designed by Teknicraft to support ocean sampling and scientific research, the vessel will be an innovative hybrid-powered boat, contributing to environmental sustainability in marine operations.
The vessel will feature a hybrid propulsion system powered by Cummins QSB 6.7 engines paired with ABB’s Series Hybrid technology. The vessel is designed to meet California’s zero-emissions standards, providing 30 percent of its operational power through a BorgWarner Energy Storage System (ESS), which stores up to 588 kW of clean energy.
Built for the Southern California coast, the vessel will enable OC San to carry out environmental monitoring, marine research, and ocean sampling efficiently. Equipped with a Teledyne Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), an Okeanus dual-drum winch, and a custom-built A-frame, the vessel will handle complex oceanographic research and sample collection. The spacious deck design will accommodate over 10 scientists, and the main cabin offers both a dry and wet lab as well as live-aboard features for extended research missions.
The hybrid catamaran will be built with dual-propulsion permanent magnet motors that will receive their power from the battery energy storage system. The auxiliary generators that provide charging power are acoustically insulated to minimize noise pollution, providing a quiet work environment for scientists. Additionally, the precision-engineered winch system will allow for accurate deployment of research equipment in offshore environments.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Orange County Sanitation District on this innovative project,” said Ron Wille, president and chief operating officer at All American Marine. “This hybrid ocean sampling vessel will not only support vital research and monitoring efforts, but it also underscores our commitment to building vessels with hybrid and electric propulsion systems. We look forward to delivering a vessel that exceeds OC San’s expectations for both performance and environmental impact.”
Construction will take place at All American Marine’s facility in Bellingham, where the vessel will be built to meet U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter T standards. Once complete, the vessel will undergo comprehensive sea trials to ensure it meets all specifications and performance criteria.
– All American Marine
