New UQ boat will make research a breeze

New UQ boat will make research a breeze

Field work by University of Queensland marine research staff and students will be a breeze with the acquisition of a new research vessel in October.

Currently being built by Melbourne-based company Pro Marine, the $300,000 catamaran will replace the University's two former research vessels, Sea Wanderer and Cyanea, sold over the past few years.

Building started in April 1998 and work is due for completion by mid-October. Co-ordinated by the University's School of Marine Science, the project has received additional support funding from the Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Paul Greenfield.

Professor Greenfield said that the investment in the new boat was further evidence of the University's commitment to marine science and technology as important areas of teaching and research. It follows $1.8 million spent on refurbishing the Heron Island Research Station, $1.7 million currently being spent in rebuilding the Dunwich Research Station on Stradbroke Island (with $750,000 contributed by the Port of Brisbane Authority) and $250,000 on establishing Low Isles Research Station.

According to Zoology Department collector and co-ordinator of the boat's construction, David Harris, the new 11.5-metre-long vessel will be faster (able to reach a top speed of 25 knots), more manoeuvrable and multi-purpose than the previous vessels.

With its aluminium hull, the diesel-powered catamaran will be equipped with jet-drive units and an A-frame capable of lifting weights of up to 250kgs.

It will also feature state-of-the-art differential Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology allowing crews to achieve navigational accuracies of within one metre every time, Mr Harris said.

The vessel will be capable of operating both within the enclosed waters of Moreton Bay and in oceanic areas. When in Moreton Bay, it will carry 20 people and 14 when, for example, working at Heron Island Research Station.

For more information, contact Mr Harris (telephone 07 3365 2469).