The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded All American Marine another contract to construct a catamaran research vessel.  The 82’ 8” x 30’ aluminum catamaran will be the largest research vessel that AAM has built for NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary program.  The vessel will operate in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, headquartered in Galveston, Texas.  The sanctuary is located offshore, approximately 105 miles south of the Texas and Louisiana border in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico.

All American Marine’s contract award will complete the fifth Teknicraft catamaran for NOAA and the National Marine Sanctuaries.  The plans for the research vessel will be developed by Nic de Waal of Teknicraft Design, Ltd., in Auckland, New Zealand.  The vessel will be based upon Teknicraft’s signature hull shape and will incorporate hydrofoil technology, which allows for a smooth ride, low wake wash energy, and extreme fuel economy.  The vessel is scheduled to be delivered early in 2008.