Scientific Research at Sea
The R/V Shearwater is a 77-foot Teknicraft-designed catamaran built for year-round scientific operations. It boasts a large working deck equipped with an A-frame, winches, crane, and a 16-foot auxiliary boat. Inside, it offers wet and dry labs, a galley, and meeting space. With the ability to accommodate 30 passengers for day trips and 15 for overnight stays, it functions as both an Inspected Passenger Vessel and an Oceanographic Research Vessel.
As a research platform, the Shearwater supports the investigation of biological, chemical, and physical ocean processes, as well as the study of marine ecosystems. Researchers aboard engage in observations, sample collection, instrument deployment and data gathering, among other activities. The vessel’s ability to travel several hundred nautical miles and remain at sea for extended periods is critical to supporting coastal research efforts in North Carolina.
Doubling as a classroom at sea, the R/V Shearwater provides students an immersive hands-on experience that enhances traditional classroom learning and aligns with the multi-disciplinary nature of ocean science and technology research.
Specifications
- Usage: Research or Transport. Groups do not have to have an affiliation with Duke University.
- Passengers: 30 day passengers (plus crew); 15 overnight (plus crew)
- Length: 77 Feet
- Beam: 26.7 Feet
- Draft: 5.8 Feet
- Speed: 24 knots max / 8 knots cruise / 3 knots survey
- Engines: 2x CAT C18 “D” ACERT Tier 3
- Rating: 803 BHP @ 2100 RPM
- Propulsion: Twin Fixed Pitch Props
- Fuel: 1500 Gallons
Features
- Fully-equipped galley
- MSD Type II
- Covered fly bridge
- Observation deck (513 sq. ft.)
- Articulating crane (2,612 lbs. SWL)
- Deck winches (x2) & A-frame (3,000 lbs. SWL)
- Wet lab (46 sq. ft.) w/ seawater flow-through system
- Dry lab (46 sq. ft.) w/ clean UPS 110V power
- CTD Rossette Sampler (660 m)
- USM equipment mounting pole
- 16-ft. RIB w/ 50 hp tender
- Swim platform w/ dive ladders
- Combined head/shower area
Visit our Rates page for pricing details. The R/V Shearwater is managed by the marine operations group at the Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort, N.C. An affiliation with Duke is not required for groups to charter the vessel.
Charter the R/V Shearwater
The R/V Shearwater is available for charter by both internal (Duke) and external users.
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