A partnership formed by BAE Systems, UK-based naval architect Chartwell Marine, and US builder Derecktor Shipyards has been selected to develop a new hybrid research vessel for use by the University of Vermont (UVM).
The 19-metre catamaran will be capable of low-emission, low-fuel-burn operations and is set for launch in April 2022.
The vessel will be powered by two Cummins QSB 6.7 228kW diesel engines and two BAE AC traction motors. The hybrid propulsion method will enable all-electric operation for trips of less than two hours in duration.
The vessel's equipment will include a full survey suite and joystick-operated winches.
UVM envisions three main uses for the vessel: a mobile "classroom" for undergraduate field trips; a platform for graduate students researching the Lake Champlain environment; and a way for engineering students to study the future of hybrid vessel design.
The partnership was selected by UVM following a competitive tender process.
