New Research Vessel for the Maritime Aquarium
April 10, 2013 The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has contracted Robert E. Derecktor, Inc. of Mamaroneck, NY to construct a 65 foot $ 2.5 million dollar hybrid diesel-electric research vessel. The new vessel will replace the Aquarium’s existing 33 year old diesel powered 40 foot trawler “Oceanic”.
The yet to be named vessel's hybrid system is being engineered to propel the vessel for almost 2 ½ hours on electric power alone, reducing diesel consumption by an estimated 75 percent.
Jennifer Herring, president of The Maritime Aquarium, said the new vessel will offer both a climate-controlled indoor classroom and an outdoor research space with total capacity of 65 passengers, more than doubling that of the Aquarium’s current boat.
“We are proud and excited that the Aquarium will have one of the finest ‘floating classrooms’ in the country; a vessel that – by running on clean quiet power without emissions – will practice what we teach,” Herring said.
The cat is being designed by Incat Crowther of Australia and will be built of aluminum by Derecktor. Electric power will be provided by two lithium battery banks, charged by two small diesel generators, solar panels and a wind turbine.
Engineering will start immediately and delivery is scheduled for May 2014. Fundraising by the Aquarium is ongoing. Individuals or corporations interested in participating in fundraising for the new vessel can contact Jamie Dickinson at 203-852-0700, extension 2263.
Categories: None