#0101 Hawere 15m Research Vessel

 

Commissioned by the Leigh Marine Laboratory at the University of Auckland and built by Qualicraft in Matakana NZ, the specification of this 15m research vessel was driven by many different needs. The result is a relatively fast, multi-purpose workboat with large deck spaces, easy access to the water and accommodation facilities to service eight researchers and a professional skipper.

 

The vessel was used to conduct a diverse range of research work and was also chartered to local government organizations and other research agencies to maximize utilization and claw-back costs. The laboratory’s operational requirements include everything from estuary surveys to extended dive trips to the exposed Three Kings Islands.  Situated 30nm north west of New Zealand’s northernmost point, the islands are washed with strong currents and the changeable conditions in the area can produce nasty seas.

 

LOMOcean drew a large volume vessel with a high sheer line forward and flare to maximize sea keeping. The bow is relatively fine and designed to meet the requirement for an 18-knot cruise and a soft ride in moderate weather. It has a sedan-style appearance, but two internal levels covering accommodation and wheelhouse plus a staged cockpit designed for diving, dredging, sorting samples and transporting a 16ft tender during passages.

The hardtop extends to the gantry and shelters more than half the cockpit. With 3.4m clearance there is ample working room beneath it. The aluminium gantry is designed to lift 750kg and was proved with a working load of 1,000kg during the commissioning process.

 

The accommodation area is open plan, with headroom up to 3m and plenty of natural light provided by three overhead hatches and ten fixed hull ports. The bridge seats six passengers plus the skipper and a pilot berth is provided in the port, rear corner. Even when anchored safely for the night, the skipper is seldom off watch and good visibility is available from his bunk, and the instruments and controls are only seconds away.