The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has placed an order for a new catamaran research vessel for operation on near coastal and ocean routes by Puerto Rico-based maritime non-profit organisation Bluetide.
The 22- by eight-metre aluminium vessel will feature live-aboard quarters, wet and dry laboratories, as well as a range of oceanographic equipment for conducting survey operations.
The vessel will be designed by Teknicraft of New Zealand. Construction will take place at a shipyard in Bellingham, Washington.