In November 2000, Freeport Shipbuilding, Inc. of Freeport , Florida delivered a 163’, 32-knot aluminum monohull research vessel.

The project constituted a major milestone in DeJong & Lebet, Inc.’s entrance into the high-performance workboat field.

This totally new design is a significant milestone in establishing DeJong & Lebet, Inc. as a major player in the design of high-performance workboats.  The design parameters for this unique vessel included shallow draft and specific speed requirements, all of which were met.  To accomplish this, the vessel was designed with three soft mounted MTU/DDC 16V 4000 propulsion engines each rated at 2,380 HP @ 2100 RPM, each driving a Hamilton model 811 water jet.  The drive train between the engines and jets consisted of remote, hard mounted, ZF model BW755 reverse/reduction gear coupled to the engines through a flexible Centa coupling.  Cardan shaft assemblies manufactured by Driveline, Inc. completed the link between the gears and waterjets.  The combined components resulted in a high speed, vibration free vessel.

The less than 300-gross ton vessel is of all aluminum construction and has an ABS unlimited loadline.  The unusual vessel is fitted with a Hydra-Pro model 40/18K hydraulic pedestal crane with a capacity of 18 L. tons, at 10’ and 4 LT @ 40’.  The helo deck, designed to handle a 6,000 lb. helicopter also provides shelter for two 20’x8’ scientific modules.  Special deck reinforcements allow movement of these modules around the aft deck and over the stern to shore.

The vessel is equipped with two tender vessels.  The larger vessel is a 28’ aluminum Packman jet drive landing craft, built by Munson Manufacturing.  The second tender is a smaller RIB type vessel.

Major equipment/features is as follows:

Length Overall:                                                       163’-0”, excluding jets and guards

Beam Amidship:                                                     32’-0”

Hull Depth Amidship:                                            13’-6”

Fuel Capacity:                                                          52,000 gallons

Range:                                                                      4,000 nautical miles

Fresh Water Capacity:                                           500 gallons

Water Makers (two):                                              Sea Recovery 1200 GPD each

Main Engines (three):                                            MTU/DDC 16V 40000 @ 2380 HP each

Water Jets (three):                                                  Hamilton Model 811

Generators (two):                                                   Cummins 6BTA 5.9M/99kW

Bowthruster:                                                           American, Electric Driven

Fuel Oil Centrifuge:                                                Alfa Laval

Anchor Winch:                                                        McElroy

Capstans:                                                                Ideal

HVAC:                                                                       Carrier Chillwater System

Engine Room Ventilation:                                     Delta T blowers and louvers

Hydraulic Deck Crane:                                           Hydro Pro model 40/18

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The crew/scientist accommodations below Main Deck consist of six four-person cabins and one VIP stateroom.  A laundry room and two heads complete the below deck accommodation spaces.

The Main Deckhouse includes a full Galley, large Mess Area, Captain’s Cabin with private head, a Wet Locker, Survey Room, Walk-in Cooler/Freezer, Common Head, and large Dry Stores/Pantry area.

The Pilothouse, located above the Main Deckhouse, features 360º visibility.  The electronics package was state-of-the-art designed for unlimited oceans service and extensive weight, trim, and speed/power calculations resulted in a vessel that met displacement and speed requirements dead-on.  At the vessel’s lightship displacement of 191 LT, plus minimum liquids and crew, the design speed of approximately 32-knots was achieved.  Fully loaded, the vessel is expected to displace 370 tons and run at 20-knots.

The vessel has successfully operated for more than eight months and has met or exceeded all design requirements in every aspect, a tribute to the combined efforts of the Owner, the Designers, and the Builder.