The scientific research vessel 'Vėjūnas' has completed sea trials and been delivered to Lithuania's Ministry of Environment for operation in the Baltic Sea.
Classed by DNV, the all-aluminium catamaran vessel was built by Baltic Workboats in Estonia, to a design by Australian naval architect Incat Crowther. The vessel will monitor the Baltic Sea nearshore area and the Curonian Lagoon. The design of the vessel required a large, practical work deck area and excellent stability and seakeeping for scientific work.
'Vėjūnas' measures 23.9 metres in length overall and 8.0 metres across her beam, with a draught of 1.5 metres and a depth of 3.4 metres. Powered by a pair of Sisu CTIM84 main engines, each producing 302kW at 2,100 rpm, 'Vėjūnas' will operate at a service speed of 12 knots, though she comfortably exceeded 14 knots in trials. With fuel economy of just 37.5 litres/nm at 10 knots, she boasts a range of over 2,000nm.
The aft deck features lower platform access, a hydraulic A-Frame, 6.4-tonne Fassi deck crane and moon pool. The main deck cabin features two workspaces: a hydrological lab with three workstations and bathroom to port; and to starboard a chemical-biological laboratory with sinks, four workstations and eight square metres of storage room. At the forward end of the cabin is a crew mess and galley facilities.
'Vėjūnas' is designed for a crew of four, as well as six special personnel. The hulls have accommodation for eleven in five twin cabins and a single cabin for the captain. Each hull has a shower and toilet room.
