CUNY and SRIJB are taking to the waters

CUNY and SRIJB soon home to new research vessel

CUNY Catamaran (8)We are excited to announce that the City University of New York in collaboration with the Science and Resilience Institute at Jamaica Bay (Institute), is contracting with Derecktor Shipyards of Mamaroneck, New York to build a 65-ft research catamaran to be operated out of Jamaica Bay. This will be the second vessel in Derecktor’s hybrid series, a line that utilizes cutting edge hybrid electric propulsion technology to ensure clean and quiet operation with minimal emissions. This technology was applied with great success to their first hybrid series craft, the 65-ft research catamaran Spirit of the Sound constructed for The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut.

“We are thrilled to be working with Derecktor to build an innovative vessel that will be a tremendous asset for cutting edge research, monitoring, and education in Jamaica Bay,” said Adam Parris, Executive Director of the Institute.

The vessel will be built to the United States Coastal Guard’s sub-chapter T regulations for small passenger vessels and used for research and educational purposes. Researchers will benefit from the silent operation of the hybrid system in highly sensitive ecological areas. To minimize impact on the local waters, keel coolers will be used to reduce the wastewater discharge from the vessel. It will be one of the most forward thinking and environmentally friendly vessels in operation today.

The build will take approximately 16 months with delivery anticipated in June 2017.