The following is text of a news release from Armstrong Marine USA:
(IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif.) — Armstrong Marine USA of Port Angeles, Wash., has delivered a new 42-by-16-foot catamaran research vessel, Benthic Cat, to Orca Maritime Inc. after successful launch and sea trials in Port Angeles Harbor. Orca Maritime selected the design after Armstrong delivered the same 4216-CTC model to UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography (R/V Bob and Betty Beyster) in 2019.
Orca Maritime will utilize the workboat in support of Department of Defense initiatives, environmental agencies, energy sectors, and commercial enterprise. Vessel operations will include the launch and recovery of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV), underwater gliders, surface and underwater sensors, remotely operated vehicles (ROV), and unmanned surface vehicles (USV). Benthic Cat will also support surface-supplied diving operations and provide onboard data processing.
“We were excited to team up with Armstrong Marine USA given their expertise in building specialized vessels to meet the exacting needs of their customers," said Kurt Nelson of Orca Maritime. "R/V Benthic Cat has exceeded all our expectations for speed, fuel economy, range, and maneuverability. She fills the near-shore multi-mission role perfectly.”
The catamaran features a full-width cabin with flybridge, large aft working deck, hydraulic A-frame (5,000 pound SWL), Northern Lights 9-kw diesel generator, and Garmin/NMEA electronics package. The vessel is well equipped for multi-day operations along the Southern California coast with two interior work stations, a four-person sleeping cuddy, head with shower, refrigerator/freezer, and 600-gallon fuel capacity.
Benthic Cat is powered by twin Volvo D11 510-hp inboards paired with Volvo IPS 650 propulsors and Volvo electric steering. Builder sea trials indicated 32-mph cruise and 37-mph top speeds. The dynamic positioning system integrates GPS navigation data with propulsion controls to automatically maintain heading and position. Joystick controls at the aft docking station and flybridge station ease handling.
Deck equipment includes the A-frame with Pullmaster PL5 hydraulic winch, a Morgan Marine 200.3 crane, Kinematics hydraulic anchor winch and 5-inch aft deck horizontal capstan, and 28 tie-down points for securing equipment. Rigid LED floodlights illuminate the aft deck.
Inside, three Bentley’s Patriot seats accommodate captain and crew. Benches with a flip down tabletop provide additional seating and storage. Two Red Dot hydronic heaters and two Dometic AC units keep the cabin comfortable for year-round operations.
Benthic Cat will enter service immediately, beginning with a weeklong operation around San Clemente Island.
