New Hydrographic Survey Vessel for USACE

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Norfolk District accepted delivery of a new high-speed foil assisted hydrographic survey vessel, due to be commissioned on May 31, 2018.

The all-aluminum catamaran, S/V Ewell, measures 61’-4” length overall with a 24’ beam. The vessel has two levels; the first has survey stations, and a pilot house is on the second level. The vessel has a galley, mess and sleeping accommodations.

Designed to conduct hydrographic surveys using sophisticated multibeam and single beam sonars, the new vessel features Norbit Multibeam sonars and single frequency sonars mounted inside a retractable survey pod.

Ewell is equipped with two 985 BHP MAN V8 propulsion engines which each turn a Hamilton waterjet allowing for quick mobilization and response at high speeds in excess of 34 knots and survey speeds up to 10 knots. It has crew accommodations, a galley, lounge and three surveyor stations.

Technology Associates, Inc. (TAI) was the prime design-build contractor of the vessel. TAI and Aluma Marine personnel worked together on the construction of the Ewell under TAI’s supervision at Aluma’s facility in Harvey, La. It was designed and built to Lloyd’s Special Service Craft rules.

“This vessel design and build program was delivered on budget and on schedule,” noted TAI president, Anil Raj, who said the vessel is the result of a partnership between the USACE Marine Design Center (MDC), USACE Norfolk District and TAI.

Raj continued, “The fabrication yard, Aluma Marine and the craftsmen who worked with and supported TAI personnel at the facility, are to be commended. We are happy that the USACE received its second of three custom crafts suiting all of its requirements, and that the USACE is pleased with the craft’s performance and the crew training provided under the contract. The third larger vessel is planned be delivered to the USACE Mobile district this summer.”

TAI, who also offers a patrol boat variant design of this vessel, said the foil assisted catamaran system offers high speeds with minimal installed BHP and fuel consumption. This configuration with a 400 NM range and swift speed capability makes such a craft suited for near coastal and harbor patrol, interdiction and search and rescue.