An all-new, environmentally friendly catamaran will help officials in Australia protect the 1,250-mile Great Barrier Reef while enjoying a modicum of comfort.
The concept ship, due to be launched in 2014, is a joint project between Incat Crowther and Marine Engineering Consultants. It's set to be used in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA), and gives officials a 24-foot mobile office on the water.
The catamaran features seating for 15, room for 12 crew in twin cabins, a platform for launching an inflatable boat or dives, and multiple workstations. And, since the crew will be Australian, there's an outdoor barbecue. It's an ideal setup for patrolling one of the most valuable and sensitive natural resources on earth.
Because it can get pretty hot in Queensland, the ship is equipped with high r-value insulation and zoned air conditioning, with window blinds and shutters to keep the sun out.
A large solar array feeds lithium-ion battery packs that run the air conditioning and other powered systems on board, feeding the batteries during sunny hours. When needed, a backup diesel generator will either recharge the batteries or provide direct power for on-board electrical demands.
While hybrid powerplants were considered, the final ship design features a pair of Yanmar diesel engines, capable of propelling the catamaran at speeds up to 25 knots, with the most efficient cruising at between 12 and 20 knots.
The GBRWHA is jointly managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Queensland's Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing. In addition to naturally occurring threats, the Great Barrier Reef faces direct danger from people near the reef. Due to the sheer magnitude of visitors to the reef, overfishing, reef-walking and even runoff from sunscreen can damage the coral. Zoning and permitting help keep direct human impact to a minimum.
In addition, the reef faces a threat from shipping that passes through the region. Environmentalists are denouncing Australia's decision to build a coal transport facility on the Queensland coast, where increased traffic and associated dredging could further damage coral.
Images: Incat Crowther/MEC
