All American Marine (AAM), Bellingham, Wash., has a new contract to build an advanced 73’ research vessel for the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). Designed by Teknicraft Design, Auckland, New Zealand, the aluminum catamaran will serve in marine science research and education in U.S. East coast and offshore waters.
The 73’ x 26.7’ twin-engine, propeller-driven vessel is to be built to Coast Guard Subchapter T standards as a multipurpose research platform for a wide range of scientific missions, including oceanographic surveys, biological studies, and educational outreach programs.
It’s the latest in a series of catamaran research vessels from AAM and Teknicraft.
The design incorporates Teknicraft’s proven hydrofoil-assisted hull, ensuring reduced drag, enhanced fuel efficiency, and superior passenger comfort. The dynamic hull design is optimized for stability and performance in various sea conditions.
Propulsion power will be twin Scania Di16-082M EPA Tier 3 engines, each producing 800 mhp at 2,100 rpm, for a transit speed of 21 knots and a fuel-efficient survey operation speed of 1.5 knots. Fuel capacity of 1500 gallons ensures extended operational range and endurance.
Navigation and communication equipment will include a Kongsberg ADCP electronics suite and a fixed WASSP multibeam system, for use in oceanographic and biological research. The vessel’s design includes large wet and dry lab spaces, comfortable live-aboard quarters for up to 10 personnel, and the capacity to accommodate 20 passengers for day trips. It will also support dive operations and the deployment and retrieval of remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles.
“Our collaboration with UNCW is a significant advancement in our commitment to supporting marine research and education by building this next-gen research vessel,” said Ron Wille, President and COO of All American Marine. “This vessel will offer the faculty, students, and partners at UNCW a cutting-edge platform to explore and study the marine environment, greatly contributing to their mission of advancing marine science.”
The vessel will support a wide range of scientific missions over its projected 30-year service life:
Oceanographic Surveys: Conducting multibeam side scan, magnetometer, and sub-bottom profiler surveys, as well as deploying oceanographic instrumentation and moorings.
Biological Studies: Facilitating marine mammal monitoring, deploying trawl nets, and conducting water quality and sediment sampling.
Educational Outreach: Engaging students and the public in marine science through hands-on educational programs, supporting up to 20 participants on day trips.
“All American Marine remains steadfast in our commitment to advance manufacturing techniques and integrate the latest technology, producing reliable and efficient research vessels,” said Daniel Zech, business development manager of All American Marine. “We have refined our designs over the past five years through multiple vessel builds with specialized research missions.“
