Swedish company Midocean has placed an order for two new research and survey boats to be built by Kewatec AluBoat of Finland.
Ocean Seeker and Ocean Nomad will each have a length of 23 metres, a beam of 6.4 metres, and space for up to six people. Onboard facilities will include a laboratory, a research area, and accommodation spaces.
The vessels will be equipped with batteries that are to be utilised for propulsion when the crew are collecting samples. Two SCR-equipped Volvo D13-600 diesel engines will meanwhile be used for sailing at higher speeds.
An A-lift frame, winch, and crane will be mounted on the aft deck to handle the research equipment. The aft deck will also have a weatherproof space with garage door to provide safe working conditions when out at sea.
The boats will be delivered to Midocean in June 2022. Once in service, they will be operated in the Baltic, Kattegat, and Skagerrak Seas.
Kewatec said the contract value is approximately €6 million (US$7 million).
