The University of Connecticut (UConn) Marine Sciences, has recently received an upgraded version of its R/V Connecticut, a 90-ft oceanographic research vessel.
UConn selected Glosten in early 2016 to provide a contract level design of the vessel conversion and support the University throughout bidding and construction.
“Right off the bat, we made a concerted effort to fully understand how the existing boat was constructed,” said Glosten project manager Steve White, PE . “This enabled us to not only integrate the new hull extension, but also make many improvements in the legacy ship systems. The result is rewarding to see, since the lengthened vessel delivers both greatly increased capability and improved functionality to support operations.”
Glosten’s redesign added a 14-ft “plug” to the midsection of the ship, creating space for six additional accommodation spaces, and doubling the size of both the wet lab and dry lab. The additional staterooms allow for an increased complement for overnight trips, as well as flexibility to better accommodate different distributions of men and women in each science party. Modifications substantially increased the capacity of the fresh water, sewage, and fuel tanks to extend the vessel’s range and endurance.
Glosten utilized Einhorn Engineering, PLLC to troubleshoot the ship’s original stern thruster that had been underperforming. Einhorn Engineering recommended modifications that increased thrust, improving the vessel’s Dynamic Positioning performance.
Construction was recently completed at Blount Boats’ shipyard in Warren, RI. The newly-lengthened vessel is now underway with a full slate of missions through midyear.