California State Polytechnic University Humboldt (Cal Poly Humboldt) has taken delivery of a new catamaran research vessel.
Designed by Nic de Waal of Teknicraft Design of New Zealand, North Wind is a semi-displacement, aluminium vessel measuring 78 feet (24 metres) long and 26.7 feet (8.14 metres) wide.
Power is provided by two MAN D2862LE43B 1,100hp (820kW) engines that comply with US EPA Tier IV emissions standards. The engines can propel the vessel to speeds in excess of 28 knots at 80 per cent MCR.
The vessel will be operated primarily in the coastal waters off northern California and Oregon. It can accommodate up to 40 students, faculty, and crew on day trips. For multi-day research voyages, up to 14 personnel will be embarked.
The catamaran has a variety of hydraulic deck machinery for handling up to 5,000 pounds (2,000 kg) of oceanographic equipment and instrumentation. The deck can also accommodate divers entering the water from two platforms off the stern.
The vessel's laboratory and pilothouse feature a diverse array of navigation and oceanographic electronics for measuring physical and biological features of the ocean bottom and water column.
Constructed to US Coast Guard Subchapter T standards, North Wind is optimised for near-coastal and offshore operations, supporting Cal Poly Humboldt’s research initiatives in oceanography, marine ecosystems, and the offshore wind industry.
