BOAT OF THE MONTHAlion & Robert Allan Team up Alion & Robert Allan Team up to Deliver High Tech Research Vesselto Deliver High Tech Research VesselIn the very near future, the new scienti? c Research Vessel vestigator at a ceremony in Singapore in September. Investigator will enter service for the Commonwealth Sci- The vessel will potentially raise the bar for science ves-enti? c and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), an sels – here and abroad – in a sector where research vessels agency of the Federal Government of Australia. Investiga- often emanate from platforms not originally designed for tor went to sea for her initial sea trials in December 2013. the purpose. Moreover, ? nancial constraints for research Once deployed, Investigator will be among the quietest and organizations, universities and other government efforts most capable research vessels in the world, serving multiple, often do not allow for the most environmentally correct diverse scienti? c roles in a geographical areas spanning one- equipment. Investigator changes that mindset. Described third the circumference of the globe. loosely as a combination of the large AGOR’s (23 & 24) The design was developed by RALion, a joint venture class built in 1990’s and the NOAA ? shery science vessels between Vancouver BC Naval Architects, Robert Allan built at Halter and Marinette, the vessel’s price tag was said Ltd, Alion Science and Technology of Alexandria, Virginia to be in the range of $125 million, the high end of what is and Alion Canada of Ottawa. The acoustic analysis, noise typically spent on this type of vessel. That said; Investiga-treatments and noise trial measurements were performed tor is a scientist’s dream platform, with virtually every bell by Noise Control Engineering of the US. The vessel was and whistle the research community could possibly want. launched on July 21st, 2013 and then of? cially named In- Investigator is classed by Lloyds Register of Shipping as a INVESTIGATOR at a Glance:Length Overall: 93.9 meters Depth to Main Deck: 9.45 meters Speed: 15 knots, in Sea State 2 Beam: 18.5 meters Draft: 6.9 m (to bottom of sonar gondola)Range: 10,800 nautical miles Draft: 5.7 meters Complement: 60 (including scientists) Endurance: 60 daysSonar/Nav Package: KongsbergBow Thruster: Thrustmaster TH1500MLRDeck Equipment: Rapp-Hydema March 201442 MNMN MAR14 Layout 32-49.indd 42 MN MAR14 Layout 32-49.indd 42 2/21/2014 3:28:24 PM2/21/2014 3:28:24 PM