Deal for LNG-powered research ship

The contract, worth over EUR 10 million, will cover supply by the Norwegian company of a fully integrated operator environment equipped with high level acoustic data acquisition, dynamic positioning, propulsion control, navigation and vessel automation. The new vessel, which will be delivered in 2020 and replace the existing Atair, built in 1987, combines a sophisticated research capability with smart energy management and propulsion systems.
The LNG-powered Atair II will be 74m long, 17m wide and have a draught of 5m. With capacity for 18 crew and 15 researchers, the vessel will be the world’s first government-owned LNG-powered research ship, and will have a maximum endurance of ten days at sea with sailing speeds of up to 13 knots. A 200m² working deck will provide space for laboratories, containers, diving equipment and a diving chamber. Hydrographic survey instruments will include multi/single beam echo sounders, sonar, sidescan sonar and a sub-bottom profiler.
Kongsberg claims that its IVC for research vessels will make the Atair II one of the world’s most sophisticated ships. The vessel will have DNV GL Silent class notation to ensure minimal impact on the marine environment and the very best conditions for scientific research on board. Intended for operation in the North and Baltic Seas, the Atair II will undertake hydrographic surveys and wreck search, marine environmental monitoring, and technical testing of navigation and radar equipment.