Seattle-based Kvichak Marine Industries has been awarded a Navy contract for 12 rapid-response Skimmers (RRS) for delivery over the next 18 months. The contract includes options for up to 30 additional skimmers to be delivered through 2019. The Kvichak RRS is the Navy’s tier one response asset and these craft will supplement the Navy’s current fleet of over 85 units in operation in Navy ports worldwide since 1994.
The 30'3"x9'8"x2'6" rapid-response, shallow-water capable craft is ideally suited for use on oil spills in waterways, bays and harbors. This all-aluminum vessel is easily trailerable. Powered by twin 90-hp outboards, the RRS has a response speed of up to 17 knots and features an enclosed two person pilothouse for operator comfort.
Adaptable to a variety of marine spill scenarios, this highly specialized vessel works well in many recovery configurations, from free skimming through towed-boom applications, and is able to recover a very wide range of spills from light sheens to very viscous weathered oil products. The skimmer’s oil recovery system includes a Kvichak/Marco Cl-1 Filterbelt oil skimming module, a Kvichak/Marco U-040 Capsulpump offload system with 50’ hose, and a recovered oil capacity of over 1,200 gals. The recovered oil tank configuration allows segregation of small volume spills to simplify post-spill decontamination. Onboard hydraulic power is supplied by an under-deck diesel HPU.
