Construction of an advanced survey catamaran

C & C Technologies recently signed a contract with All American Marine to construct a new aluminum catamaran for survey operations in the Gulf of Mexico. The two companies have been developing the design concept for the advanced vessel for nearly two years. Teknicraft Design Ltd. of Auckland, New Zealand will provide the engineering and naval architecture services for the design, which is expected to be launched and delivered during the second half of 2011.

C & C worked intently with AAM and Teknicraft to make the custom designed vessel versatile and accommodating to perform AUV operations, water sampling, side scan sonar and multibeam operations while underway. The vessel will feature a sophisticated survey lab which functions as the control center for data collection during each mission. Transducer wells and deployable sonar struts were thoughtfully integrated into the hull to ensure quality data results. Topside, the working decks feature an impressive configuration of winches, a-frames, and cranes. The vast aft deck also provides suitable space for AUV launch and recovery operations as well as conventional geophysical surveys.

Once complete, the vessel will be kept on a busy schedule, making approximately 20 trips annually, each lasting a duration of 14 days. The hull tonnage will be certified less than 100 gross tons and will include accommodations for 26 research staff and crew. Caterpillar has been selected to supply the prime movers, inclusive of twin C32 ACERT.