Foil-assisted Survey Catamaran for USACE Philadelphia District
All American Marine, Inc. (AAM, USA) was recently awarded a contract by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for the design and construction of a hydrofoil-supported aluminium catamaran survey vessel. The vessel will primarily perform survey missions and some dive operations in support of dredging work planned within the Corps’ Philadelphia District. USACE has designated that the new catamaran will replace the aging survey boat, Shuman, which currently fills the mission-critical role.
The 68’ x 26’ custom aluminium catamaran will be designed by Teknicraft Design, Ltd. of Auckland, New Zealand. This contract follows the successful delivery of the 62’ Florida II, foil assisted survey vessel that AAM was previously awarded to construct for the USACE Jacksonville District.
The hull will feature the Teknicraft Design signature hull shape with symmetrical bow, asymmetrical tunnel, and integrated wave piercer. A custom aluminium hydrofoil will be fit to span between the sponsons to generate lift of the semi displacement hulls and enhance performance. Teknicraft has been designing hydrofoil supported vessels for over 20 years and has become a leader in this market. Power for the propeller driven vessel will be provided by a pair of Caterpillar C18 diesel engines rated 1001bhp @ 2300rpm, with an EPA Tier III emissions rating. Auxiliary power will be supplied via twin Northern Lights C40M.3 40.kW generators. The suite of deck gear includes a hydraulic A-frame, davit, scientific winch, and moon pool with deployable sonar strut. Dive platforms will be fit to the transom of each sponson. The 28 knot cruise speed will allow the Corps to get to the survey site much quicker, which in turn will allow for more time on site and greater data collection in less time.
