Scripps Institution takes delivery of research catamaran

A new, fast coastal research vessel has joined the fleet of ships managed by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego.

Designed and built by Armstrong Marine, the catamaran-type research vessel has been named Bob and Betty Beyster named in honour of the late founder of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) Dr J. Robert Beyster and his widow Betty Beyster.

The vessel is designed to perform research and survey work in nearshore areas and to deploy and recover remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and other deep-ocean instruments.

Bob and Betty Beyster has a length of 12.8 metres, a width of 4.87 metres, a range of 500 nautical miles, and capacity for six scientists and a boat operator. Twin Volvo D11 380kW engines will deliver a cruising speed of 25 knots.

Equipment will include an A-frame capable of lifting up to 1.8 tonnes of cargo.