Written by
Marine Logbook Staff
Image: AAM
All American Marine (AAM), headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, has been awarded a contract to build a state-of-the-art 73-foot research vessel for the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW).
Designed by Auckland, New Zealand-based Teknicraft Marine, the 73-by-26.7-foot, twin-engine, propeller-driven aluminum catamaran is intended to serve as a multipurpose research platform capable of conducting a wide range of UNCW scientific missions, including oceanographic surveys, biological studies and educational programs.
It meets US Coast Guard Subchapter T requirements and features Teknicraft’s proven hydrofoil hull. The dynamic hull design reduces drag, improves fuel efficiency and provides superior passenger comfort. It is optimized for stability and performance in a variety of sea conditions.
Powered by two Scania Di16-082M EPA Tier 3 engines, each producing 800 hp at 2,100 rpm, the vessel achieves a transit speed of 21 knots and a fuel-efficient survey speed of 1.5 knots. The large 1,500-gallon fuel capacity provides extended range and endurance.
Its state-of-the-art navigation, communications and scientific equipment includes a Kongsberg ADCP electronics suite and a fixed WASSP multibeam system. This advanced technology will enable comprehensive oceanographic and biological research.
The design includes large wet and dry laboratory spaces, comfortable living quarters for up to 10 people and the capacity to accommodate 20 passengers for day trips. It will also support diving operations and the deployment and recovery of ROVs and AUVs.
The project includes rigorous sea trials to ensure that all systems and components deliver the required performance.
“Our collaboration with UNCW is a significant step forward in our commitment to support marine research and education through the construction of this next-generation research vessel,” said AAM President and COO Ron Wille. “This vessel will provide UNCW faculty, students and partners with a state-of-the-art platform to explore and study the marine environment, greatly contributing to their mission to advance marine science.”
During its planned 30-year operational life, the vessel will support a wide range of scientific missions, including:
- Oceanographic investigations: Conducting multibeam sidescan, magnetometer and sub-bottom profiler surveys as well as deploying oceanographic instruments and moorings.
- Biological studies: Facilitating monitoring of marine mammals, deploying trawls and conducting water quality and sediment sampling.
- Educational offer: Hands-on educational programs engage students and the public in marine science, supporting up to 20 participants on day trips.
“All American Marine remains committed to improving manufacturing techniques and incorporating the latest technology to produce reliable and efficient research vessels,” said Daniel Zech, Business Development Manager at AAM. “We have refined our designs over the past five years by building several vessels for dedicated research missions. We are proud to announce another state-of-the-art vessel, this time for the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). This new vessel will significantly advance the university’s environmentally conscious research and education efforts and further support conservation initiatives along the East Coast.”
