All American Marine (AAM), a leader in constructing vessels with hybrid and electric propulsion systems, is excited to announce that it has secured a contract to build a 63-foot hybrid catamaran for the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San). The Teknicraft Designed vessel, designed to support ocean sampling and scientific research, will be an innovative hybrid-powered boat, contributing to environmental sustainability in marine operations.
The new 63-foot ocean sampling vessel will feature a hybrid propulsion system powered by Cummins QSB 6.7 engines paired with ABB’s Series Hybrid technology. The state-of-the-art vessel is designed to meet California’s zero-emissions standards, providing 30% of its operational power through a BorgWarner Energy Storage System (ESS), which stores up to 588 kW of clean energy.
Built for the Southern California coast, the vessel will enable OC San to carry out environmental monitoring, marine research, and ocean sampling efficiently. Equipped with a Teledyne Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), an Okeanus dual-drum winch, and a custom-built A-frame, the vessel will handle complex oceanographic research and sample collection. The spacious deck design will accommodate over 10 scientists, and the main cabin offers both a dray and wet lab as well as live-aboard features for extended research missions.
The hybrid catamaran will be built with dual propulsion permanent magnet motors that will receive their power from the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The auxiliary generators that provide charging power are acoustically insulated to minimize noise pollution, providing a quiet work environment for scientists in the state-of-the-art wet and dry lab spaces. Additionally, the precision-engineered winch system will allow for accurate deployment of research equipment in offshore environments.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Orange County Sanitation District on this innovative project,” said Ron Wille, President & COO of All American Marine. “This hybrid ocean sampling vessel will not only support vital research and monitoring efforts, but it also underscores our commitment to building vessels with hybrid and electric propulsion systems. We look forward to delivering a vessel that exceeds OC San’s expectations for both performance and environmental impact.”
Construction will take place at All American Marine’s facility in Bellingham, WA, where the vessel will be built to meet US Coast Guard Subchapter T standards. Once complete, the vessel will undergo comprehensive sea trials to ensure it meets all specifications and performance criteria. This hybrid vessel is set to become a key tool for marine monitoring and oceanographic research in Southern California.
“We are pleased to collaborate with All American Marine on this new ocean sampling vessel,” said Drew Orvieto, Head of Sales, Marine Systems, US at ABB Marine & Ports. “Our hybrid-electric propulsion technology is an ideal choice for a broad range of vessel types, including environmental monitoring and research vessels. ABB takes great pride in working together with vessel operators and shipyards in the United States and around the world looking to decarbonise their operations.”
OC San is dedicated to protecting and preserving the marine environment off the coast of Orange County in Southern California. The primary mission of OC San’s Ocean Monitoring Program (OMP) is to monitor the potential environmental impacts of OC San’s discharge of treated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Through ocean sampling, marine research, and rigorous environmental assessments, OC San works to maintain the health of coastal ecosystems, safeguard public health, and promote sustainable marine practices. OC San is committed to advancing scientific understanding of ocean health, fostering collaboration with environmental agencies, and minimising the impact of human activity on the marine environment.
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