The role of the vessel is to support and deploy a wide range of hydrographic survey equipment, and to carry out major sediment and fish sampling studies. The design makes the best possible use of all available space and particular attention is paid to providing an unobstructed work deck and generous wheelhouse space for instruments.

On board systems have been designed to be very flexible to cater for all common equipment types. Two main engines totalling 330hp provide all propulsion, electrical and hydraulic power. Built in power supplies include 230V AC, 24V and 12V DC with a total output of 6kVA, Additional hydraulic systems are fitted to power deck machinery and to provide a 30hp power take off for external equipment.

The stern layout, with twin waterjets below a large flush work deck, includes a hydraulic 'A' frame and fast sampling winch as part of a unique, automated sediment sampling system. The frame and winch are also ideal for easy and safe deployment of hydrographic instruments, beam trawls, small ROVs and underwater cameras.

Even a three man hovercraft can be launched and recovered through the frame.

Clients particularly like the automated hydraulic sampling system, which makes grab sampling and sediment sieving quick and safe. The system completely removes the need for deck crew to manhandle suspended grabs, which improves safety, increases productivity and reduces the chance of damage to the vessel.

Fixed wheelhouse equipment includes two embedded computers for PC based charting, logging and data collection, three DGPS receivers, ARPA radar, AIS receiving system, DSC VHF, fixed GSM phone and data modem. Survey grade position and heading data is available to feed client's own equipment.

Under development this winter is a full dynamic control system which utilises the main propulsion jets and a differential bow jet to achieve full computer control of vessel position. The aim is to provide both static control, for sampling and ROV operations, and a precise autopilot function for automated survey line steering. Water jets are used exclusively so there are no exposed propellers or protruding machinery underwater or behind the vessel.

To date Aquadynamic has been working on offshore wind farm environmental assessments all round the UK, benthic monitoring for the London Gateway project, and hydrographic surveying in the Bristol Channel.

MJ Information No: 21307