Armstrong Marine delivers 40 ft research vessel

he monohulled boat is capable of cruising at 32 knots and has a 400-gallon fuel capacity

The College of Fisheries and Marine Science at the University of Alaska Fairbanks has added a new research vessel to its fleet. Named Nanuq, the 40 ft, aluminum hulled, vessel was designed and built by Armstrong Marine, Port Angeles, Wash., and arrived in Seward, Alaska, this summer.

Pacific Power Group (PPG), working closely with Armstrong, fitted the vessel with a pair of Volvo Penta D6 engines, each delivering 330 hp. The engines are paired with Aquamatic outdrives and Volvo hydraulic power steering.

“Research vessels have very specific performance requirements and Volvo Penta propulsion systems have proven extremely capable of meeting those needs,” said Doug Schwedland, vice president of PPG’s marine division.

The College of Fisheries and Marine Science at the university was created in 1987 to unify statewide academic and research programs in the university system that are focused on fisheries and ocean sciences. The Seward site where the Nanuq will operate is dedicated to the study of marine fish, birds and mammals.

Along with the Volvo Penta engines, the Nanuq is outfitted with side power electric bow thruster with joystick control to ensure precision maneuverability during research operations. The monohulled boat is capable of cruising at 32 knots and has a 400-gallon fuel capacity that allows the boat long-range travel capabilities in the remote waters of Alaska.

The newest research vessel replaces the R/V Little Dipper.