Page 29: of Marine News Magazine (December 2012)

In October of 2011, the Maritime Aquarium of Norwalk, CT was operating a research vessel on Long Island Sound providing a platform for marine science and environmental education (to more than 5,000 children annually), environmental monitoring as well as exploration and research on Long Island Sound. That vessel, now 30 years old and facing USCG regulations reducing its ability to carry more than twenty-Þ ve passengers, needed replacement. The cost to renew tonnage was an issue. Led by Co-Chairs Per Heidenreich of Heidenreich Innovations and James A. Barker of SeaStreak LLC, a nine member committee of leaders in ConnecticutÕs 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 million dollars, the design requirements were not simple. Deliver a Òß oating classroomÓ capable of carrying a full school bus of students during a single voyage Ð 65 young scientists traveling on a catamaran platform propelled by an environmentally clean propulsion system. Alternative Marine Technologies of Stamford, Connecticut contracted to supervise the design and construction for USD $1, and after considerable analyses with the committee and the aquarium staff, Incat CrowtherÕs 65-foot research vessel design was selected. The new vessel will effectively double classroom capacity. The propulsion system is provided by Northern Lights, combining high-performance Lugger diesel engines with a HybriDrive Propulsion System. The system efÞ ciently directs power produced from the electric generator and harnessed within a Lithium Energy Storage System to provide clean, quiet power without the engine and without emissions.New Orleans(504) 780-8100 ? Fax (504) 780-8200Norfolk(757) 545-0100 ? Fax (757) 545-8004Houston(281) 452-5887 ? Fax (281) 452-9682www.mcdonoughmarine.comwww.mcdonoughmarine.comLARGEST RENTAL FLEET OF SPUD, DECK AND MATERIAL BARGESBARGES 60 TO 400 LENGTHBARGES 60 TO 400 LENGTH? 16 Fleeting locations inland rivers, Gulf, East and West Coast ? Inland and Ocean towing services LARGEST RENTAL FLEET OF SPUD, DECK AND MATERIAL BARGESAquarium Research Vessel www.marinelink.com MN 29