Midship Marine, Harvey, La., recently launched a new battery hybrid research vessel for the Lake Superior Research Institute (LSRI) at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
The 65’x24’ aluminum catamaran, Sadie Ann, will support the university’s on-water education and research in Lake Superior.
The vessel was designed by Incat-Crowther. Sadie Ann has a maximum capacity of 49 passengers and eight crew. The University of Wisconsin-Superior said the vessel’s reinforced hull will allow for operation in light winter conditions, while the 4.6' draft will allow for operations in nearshore areas.
The main deck features two large laboratories - one dry laboratory and one wet laboratory. Each laboratory can be configured to a traditional classroom set-up and is complemented with conveniently located storage spaces. The main deck features a 294-sq. ft. working deck area, two folding dive platforms, a moon pool providing water access and two bathrooms.
The upper deck features a 310-sq.-ft. classroom adjacent to the pilot house, and two survey winches for use with a stern A-frame for water sampling.
Equipped with a parallel hybrid battery propulsion system that includes John Deere diesel engines and Esco Power electric motors, the vessel will be capable of reaching a maximum speed of 18 knots and range of 690 miles at 12 knots. The research vessel weighs 83 gross tons.
The new vessel has been made possible through the support of the Swenson Family Foundation. The Swenson family chose to name the new research vessel after Jim Swenson’s mother, Sadie Ann (Bashara) Swenson, a 1932 UW-Superior alumna.
