Vessel Construction Management & Propulsion Integration

Alternative Marine Technologies (AMTECH) managed construction of the hybrid-electric research vessel R/V Spirit of the Sound for The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Connecticut. AMTECH also served as the propulsion system integrator for the project.

The Spirit of the Sound is a 63-foot all-aluminum catamaran designed by Incat Crowther. It was built at Robert E. Derecktor Shipyard in Mamaroneck, New York, and delivered in 2014. The vessel was the first research vessel in the United States to operate with hybrid-electric propulsion. It provides a floating classroom and research platform for education and scientific programs on Long Island Sound, with capacity for approximately 65 passengers.

Vessel and Propulsion Overview

The hybrid system was developed by BAE Systems (HybriDrive), Corvus Energy (lithium battery storage), and Northern Lights Hybrid Marine (diesel generators). Two Northern Lights Lugger generators recharge the batteries and provide boost power when demand exceeds battery capacity. The vessel can operate quietly on battery power for extended periods, with the generators engaging as needed. Solar panels and a wind turbine provide supplementary power for navigational and scientific equipment. The system is estimated to reduce diesel fuel consumption by approximately 75 percent compared with conventional propulsion.

Construction Management

AMTECH managed construction of the vessel at Derecktor Shipyard and integrated the hybrid propulsion system. This included coordination among the designer, shipyard, propulsion suppliers, and classification/regulatory bodies to incorporate the first-of-kind hybrid arrangement on a U.S. Coast Guard-inspected research vessel. The vessel was christened in September 2014 and entered service later that year.

Significance

The Spirit of the Sound demonstrated the practical application of hybrid-electric propulsion on a U.S. research and educational vessel. Quiet battery operation supports wildlife observation and onboard instruction, while the hybrid architecture reduces fuel use and emissions. AMTECH’s role in construction management and system integration helped deliver a vessel that expanded the Aquarium’s capacity for public and school programs on Long Island Sound.

The project reflects AMTECH’s early experience in hybrid marine propulsion and in managing construction of specialized aluminum vessels for educational and research use.