The Port of Los Angeles has awarded a $2.47 million contract to Bellingham,Wash.-based boatbuilder All American Marine, Inc., for the construction of a new 65-foot dive and patrol vessel.
The 65-foot by 24-foot wide aluminum catamaran will be used by the LA Port Police dive team and will feature Australia-based Teknicraft Design’s signature hull shape and hydrofoil technology. The design of the vessel is based upon the previously built R/V Shearwater and R/V Fulmar, which are operated by NOAA throughout California’s four National Marine Sanctuaries. All American Marine is the exclusive builder for Teknicraft catamarans in North America.
"We specialize in the design and construction of custom vessels, but selling another sister ship is a nice testament to the quality of the vessels we construct," All American Marine business development manager Joe Hudspeth said.
The new vessel will serve as a key asset to the port police for a wide variety of safety and security missions. One of the key functions of this multipurpose vessel is the ability to conduct oceanographic surveys within the port. By monitoring the seafloor, the LA Port Police can help ensure that America’s largest seaport remains safe and operational.
The new vessel will replace a nearly 25-year-old 46-foot vessel currently operated in the same role that has suffered from rising maintenance costs and decreasing functionality.
"Overall, the usefulness of the current vessel has significantly diminished and can no longer accommodate the requisite sonar equipment essential to dive, sonar and recovery operations," port staff said in a memo to the port's governing board.
The new vessel, according to the port, will save $335,000 in maintenance costs over ten years.
The interior layout of the new vessel promises more than 150 square feet of wet and dry working space, a fully equipped galley, and a dinette with u-shaped settee.
The working deck layout will accommodate a hydraulically actuated A-frame, survey winch, and dive platforms.
The propulsion package features twin Cummins QSM-11engines, each offering 705 BHP at 2,500 RPM.
The new vessel is scheduled for delivery in mid-2012.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
