Oregon State University’s new research vessel will be equipped with PDI’s centerboard system. Credit: PRNewsfoto/ Power Dynamics Innovations LLC.
Power Dynamics Innovations (PDI) has secured a subcontract with Gulf Island Shipyards to provide Dynamic Power Centerboard Systems to Oregon State University’s (OSU) new regional-class research vessel (RCRV).
The contract includes designing, engineering, building, installation, and testing of the Centerboard System.
Earlier, Gulf Island Shipyards was selected by OSU to build the RCRV, with an option for two additional vessels.
Using the deployable Centreboard from PDI, the RCRV will be able to install various sensors such as fisheries survey transducers (EK-60), current profilers (ADCP), and shallow water multibeam units (2040).
The system will feature a removable ‘foot’ that can be used to easily swap out sets of sensors. It will also include swappable plates to provide maximum flexibility for individual sensors.
“The system will feature a removable ‘foot’ that can be used to easily swap out sets of sensors.”
OSU’s new RCRV will be 193ft long and will offer flexible, multi-mission platforms that optimise energy efficient design concepts.
To be built in Houma, Louisiana, US, the vessel is scheduled to be delivered by the last quarter of 2020.
The ABS Ice-class C0 and DPS-1, Green-Marine certified vessel will be able to accommodate up to 29 crew members and passengers.
OSU will operate its first RCRVs on the US West Coast as part of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS).
In addition, OSU has won a grant $121.88m from the US National Science Foundation (NSF) to lead the construction of a new class of research vessels for the United States Academic Research Fleet.
The company has selected naval architecture and engineering firm Glosten to lead the design contract of the new NSF vessel.