All American Marine, Inc. (AAM) has constructed a cutting edge aluminum research and survey vessel for the Duke University Marine Lab. The R/V Shearwater is a hydrofoil-assisted catamaran and is an exemplary arrangement from Teknicraft Design. AAM is the exclusive builder of Teknicraft Design hulls in North America.

The 77’ x 26.5’ vessel was based upon two successful Teknicraft Design vessels AAM built for NOAA. Teknicraft’s dynamic hydrofoil-assisted hull design is proven to have industry-leading low-wake wash energy and fuel economy. The vessel is powered by twin Tier 3 CAT C18 “D” ACERT engines, rated at 803 bhp/2100 rpm. The vessel has a cruising speed of 24 knots. The vessel has liveaboard accommodations for 14 persons. Driven by twin fixed pitch propellers, this research vessel can accommodate up to 30 passengers and is constructed and certified under USCG Subchapter “T” regulations.

The vessel allows marine scientists from DUML and other institutions to conduct research along the Atlantic seaboard in a wide range of fields including marine ecology and conservation, biological oceanography, and renewable energy ocean development. The Duke Marine Lab is a year-round teaching and research campus located on Pivers Island in Beaufort, North Carolina. It offers academic programs at the doctoral, masters and undergraduate levels, and is home to the Nicholas School of the Environment Marine Science and Conservation programs. The vessel was procured as part of an $11 million gift for the construction and operation of a new state-of-the-art research vessel that will expand teaching, research and outreach capabilities at the Marine Lab. The Marine Lab has been without a large research vessel since two of its boats were retired. The 135-foot Cape Hatteras retired in 2012 and the 50-foot Susan Hudson retired in 2014.

All American Marine’s Business Development Manager, Ron Wille, stated: “All American Marine is proud to have been selected by Duke University to build this state-of-the-art education platform. The vessel is not only equipped with Teknicraft’s patented hydrofoil design, which provides both lift and fuel efficiency, it also has wet and dry labs, oceanographic equipment, a galley and sleeping quarters. It will be an ideal oceangoing classroom to train undergraduate and graduate students in oceanography and marine biology at the Duke Marine Lab at Beaufort, N.C.”

In addition to the university’s programs, the vessel is used to support science outreach programs for local K-12 teachers, students, and community members. Researchers and instructors from other institutions will also be able to charter the vessel for scientific or educational purposes.

All American Marine’s new shipyard has provided an expanded capacity and production capabilities for both additional and larger vessels. The launch of this vessel further exemplifies All American’s position as the technological innovator in the North American marketplace.