Burger Boat delivers research vessel

Arcticus

OCTOBER 21, 2014 — Built at Burger Boat Company’s Manitowoc, WI, shipyard, the oceanographic research and fisheries assessment vessel Arcticus has completed sea trials and was delivered to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, MI,  on October 17. The Arcticus replaces the R/V Grayling and becomes the newest member of a five-vessel fleet owned and operated by the Great Lakes Science Center. It is based at the center’s Cheboygan, MI, vessel base.

JMS Naval Architects (JMS) of Mystic, CT, carried out the vessel’s concept and contract design and provided technical representation at the shipyard during construction.

The 78-foot Arcticus is a state-of-the-art, steel, monohull research vessel capable of oceanographic research and fisheries assessment on the Great Lakes. The vessel is based at the Cheboygan Vessel Base. It is designed to conduct lake-wide bottom trawl surveys, acoustic surveys, gill net surveys, a variety of over-the-side science operations, and will operate year round across three state boundaries, Canadian waters, and treaty waters of Lakes Huron, Michigan, and Superior.

 Propulsion is provided by twin Caterpillar 454 BHP C12 C-Rating Tier II diesel engines with a bow thruster providing increased maneuverability and station-keeping.

The design includes a Wet lab, Dry lab, retractable transducers, ample working deck areas, large pilot house with excellent visibility, and comfortable accommodations and working areas for a three person crew and six scientists.

JMS Naval Architects has extensive experience related to research vessel design and operation and customers include the National Science Foundation, NOAA, the Office of Naval Research, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Department of Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the University of São Paulo, and other major oceanographic institutions.

JMS is currently designing a research vessel for the Virginia Institute of Marine Science . JMS will also provide shipyard bid support and owner’s rep services for VIMS’ next generation research vessel. The VIMS research vessel will be used for scientific research within the Chesapeake Bay and offshore areas in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The JMS Coastal Research Vessel Series concept-model offers flexibility in science outfitting allowing for high utilization and affordable operating day rates. The vessel is easily adaptable to evolving scientific research areas such as environmental impact studies, offshore oil & gas exploration surveys, wind energy development surveys, and maintenance of ocean observing systems.

Length Overall:    77′ 05″ (23.6 m)
Length Waterline:    69′ 11″ (21.3 m)
Breadth:    26′ 00” (7.9 m)
Hull Depth:    11′ 00” (3.4 m)
Full Load Navigational Draft:    8′ 01” (2.5 m)
Full Speed:    10.5 Knots
Cruising Speed:    9.5 Knots
Hull and Superstructure Material:    Steel
Full Load Displacement:    178 long tons (180 metric tons)
Lightship Displacement:    135 long tons (137 metric tons)