All American Marine is proud to announce the delivery of an innovative research vessel for BLUETIDE Puerto Rico. This 73’ x 26.7’ aluminum catamaran, was constructed to USCG Subchapter T standards for use on both near coastal and ocean routes. The twin-engine vessel is BLUETIDE’S first vessel for their marine research, education, innovation, and conservation work based out of Puerto Rico. The mission of BLUETIDE is to “Influence, Innovate, Support and Increase the eco-responsible economic impacts of a sustainable “Blue Economy” in the US Caribbean,” and this vessel will help to achieve and grow their efforts in the region.
The semi-displacement catamaran hull for this vessel was developed by Nic de Waal of Teknicraft Design in Auckland, New Zealand, and is based on the successful design of the R/V Shearwater. The Shearwater was also designed by Teknicraft and built by All American Marine in 2020 for Duke University Marine Lab.
This proven vessel integrates the signature Teknicraft symmetrical and asymmetrical combined hull shape, bow wave piercer, and a patented hydrofoil-assisted hull design. The hull and hull components are designed to break up wave action and ensure reduced drag while enhancing passenger comfort. This design is proven to have both low-wake wash energy and increased fuel economy. This advanced hull shape was custom designed using digital modeling and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis testing. The vessel’s design offers all passengers and crew a smooth ride and comfort as the hull provides a cushioned effect when encountering waves. For the operator, the most valuable feature of these vessels is the excellent fuel economy, which consumes approximately the same gallons per nautical mile throughout the estimated cruising speed of 18-24 knots, with a fuel-efficient survey operation speed of 3 knots. With a large fuel capacity of 1500 gallons, this fuel-efficient design will be able to hold up to 30-day passengers (up to 8 live-aboard in 3 separate bunk rooms) including crew. The propulsion package includes 2x fixed pitch propellers, powered by twin CAT C18 “D” ACERT, Tier 3 engines, rated at 803 bhp @ 2100 RPM.
“As islanders, we are conditioned to see the sea as a border that limits and isolates us, instead of viewing that resource as a territorial extension capable of providing us with food, energy, and economic sustainability. The acquisition of this vessel will give us another perspective of the sea as an asset and a resource to educate ourselves, explore and innovate in a collaborative way, spearheading a new economy for the region.” Guifre Tort, Bluetide’s former Interim Executive Director
Onboard the vessel, passengers and crew have ample space and comfort in live-aboard quarters, wet and dry labs, as well as a range of the latest oceanographic equipment in which to conduct survey operations.
All American Marine remains committed to being on the cutting edge of manufacturing techniques and an innovator in merging the latest technology into a functional and proven vessel, built for its specific mission.
