Hotchya Marine Design has signed a contract with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to develop the basic technical requirements and conceptual design of the research vessel (RV) for natural resource studies in the open seas’ areas (Western Region).
According to the technical design specifications, four research laboratories – two hydrological and two ichthyological – will be located on board with space for 12 scientists-hydrologists, ichthyologists and sonar specialists, as well as 40 crewmembers. In addition to the scientific equipment on board, the vessel will house fish processing equipment and a fishmeal plant with the capacity of 25–30 tons of fishmeal per day.
The vessel has unrestricted area for study and exploration. Decks are fitted with cranes, trawls, oceanographic and marine-biological winches.
The unique character of this project is the need for low-noise operation mode during scientific research (conventionally called “Red October” technology – silent submarine). To meet the requirements we plan to use a specially designed electric motor. The vessel can reach speeds of up to 15 knots.
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World Maritime News Staff, February 10, 2012; Image: Hotchya Marine