Page 16: of Marine News Magazine (May 2012)

16MNMay 2012BOAT OF THE MONTH In October of 2011, the Maritime Aquarium of Norwalk, Connecticut faced a difficult decision. Since opening its doors in 1988, the Aquarium had operated a research vessel on Long Island Sound providing a platform for marine science and environmental education, environ- mental monitoring as well as exploration and research on Long Island Sound. That vessel, now 30 years old and fac- ing USCG regulations reducing its ability to carry more than twenty-five passengers, needed replacement. And as in any other shipping decision, the cost to renew tonnage was an issue. The Long Island Sound is a designated Estuary of National Significance and one of the most productive ecosystems on earth. In addition to the virtually priceless environmental services that it provides, the Sound is a rich natural resource of staggering beauty and immense eco- nomic value, in both commercial and recreational terms. The Maritime Aquarium?s research vessel delivered that message to over 5,000 children annually in the Tri-State area of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. An over- age vessel, increased costs of maintenance and regulatory burdens threatened to silence that important message. Connecticut?s shipping industry was not ready to lose the local and national focus on the importance of science edu- cation and the stewardship of coastal marine ecosystems. That message simply could not be lost. Led by Co-Chairs Per Heidenreich of Heidenreich Innovations and James A. Barker of SeaStreak LLC, a nine member committee of leaders in Connecticut?s maritime industry was charged with the task of raising funds and completing the design and construction of a new research vessel for the aquarium. With a target budget of $2.5 mil- lion dollars, the design requirements were not simple. Deliver a ?floating classroom? capable of carrying a full school bus of students during a single voyage ? 65 young scientists traveling on a catamaran platform propelled by an environmentally clean propulsion system. Alternative Marine Technologies of Stamford , Connecticut contract- ed to supervise the design and construction for $1, and after considerable analyses with the committee and theaquarium staff, Incat Crowther?s 65-foot research vessel design was selected. The propulsion system is provided by Northern Lights Inc combining high-performance Lugger diesel engines with a HybriDrive Propulsion System. In service in over 3,500 applications worldwide, the system is world?s most successful series hybrid using a Propulsion Control System to efficiently direct power produced from the electric gen- erator and harnessed within a Lithium Energy Storage System to provide clean, quiet power without the engine The Reward IS Shipping By Robert Kunkel INCAT vessel depictionA New Maritime Aquarium research vessel, delivering educational benefits to thousands of children in the Tri-State area of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey comes to fruition because maritime businesses and shipping have answered the call. MN#5 (1-17):MN 2011 Layouts 5/7/2012 1:06 PM Page 16