Ex-NOAA research vessel to become hybrid technology demonstrator

A 26-metre marine sanctuary research vessel formerly owned by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been purchased by US joint venture company LAVLE, which plans to convert it into an advanced technology demonstrator.

The vessel, which will be known by the designation Experimental Craft-Electric (XC-E), will test the feasibility of LAVLE’s solid electrolyte battery (SEB) technology in powering the propulsion systems of high-speed, high-endurance surface craft.

Ockerman Automation will carry out the conversion work on the XC-E, which is scheduled for initial sea trials in 2020.