Kvichak Marine, USA, has recently constructed and delivered two rapid response skimmers to the US Navy.
The all-aluminium vessels are 9.2 metres in length with a 2.4-metre beam and can be transported on a trailer. Powered by twin Yamaha four-stroke, 45kW outboard engines, the skimmers are designed to have a response speed of approximately 17 knots.
During spill response and recovery operations, the skimmers utilise the MARCO Filterbelt recovery system. Depending on the type of oil and pads used, the Filterbelt system can recover oils in the range of 50 to 400 barrels per hour.
The rapid response skimmers have a total recovered oil capacity of 3,785 litres.
All hydraulics, including the MARCO Filterbelt system, are powered by a diesel hydraulic power unit.
