All American Marine (AAM), Bellingham, Wash., has started construction on a 78’x26.7’ aluminum catamaran research vessel for the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI), Port Aransas, Texas. The vessel is based on a Teknicraft Design multi-purpose research platform and will support scientific, survey, and academic missions throughout the Gulf of Mexico, including operations up to 150 nautical miles offshore.
Designed for multi-mission flexibility, the twin-screw vessel will support coastal and offshore ecology research, fisheries surveys, seismic work, gravity coring, water chemistry analysis, and instructional use for undergraduate and graduate programs. The platform includes modular deck equipment, dedicated wet and dry labs, and an adjustable hydrofoil system to accommodate a range of research profiles.
“This vessel represents an investment not just in infrastructure, but in people, discovery, and Texas’s coastal future,” said Dr. Sharon Herzka, director of UTMSI. “By expanding access to modern, purpose built research capabilities, we’re empowering scientists and students to ask bigger questions, pursue new collaborations, and deliver the science needed for generations to come.”
The vessel will be powered by twin 803-hp Caterpillar C18 Tier 3 diesel engines, providing a cruising speed of about 20 knots and survey speeds as low as 3 knots. With a fuel capacity of 1,600 gals., the vessel is designed for extended missions and will be inspected to U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter T standards.
The catamaran hull incorporates Teknicraft’s hydrofoil-assisted design, intended to improve stability, reduce resistance, and enhance fuel efficiency across operating speeds. The adjustable hydrofoil system manages lift and drag to support performance in varying sea conditions.
The vessel will accommodate up to 30 passengers for day operations and up to 14 personnel on extended offshore missions. Planned operations include nearshore research out of Port Aransas and multi-day expeditions across the Gulf of Mexico, including work on the Texas shelf, major river deltas, salt dome regions, and the Flower Garden Banks.
“All American Marine is proud to partner with UTMSI on a vessel that brings together efficiency, flexibility, and proven performance,” said Ron Wille, president of All American Marine. “The Teknicraft platform allows a single vessel to support a wide range of scientific missions while maintaining the reliability and operational efficiency researchers depend on.”
The vessel will be outfitted with a range of scientific systems for water sampling, seafloor mapping, marine life observation, and geophysical surveys. Modular equipment such as sampling gear, nets, seismic systems, and coring tools can be installed or removed to support different missions.
