RESEARCH VESSEL THUNDER

NTC's Research Vessel Thunder provides marine telecommunication survey, oceanographic construction support, and oceanographic research.

The R/V Thunder is an 69’ by 20’ “heavy weather” welded, aluminum, high-speed, low-draft catamaran.  Home ported in Homer, Alaska, the Research Vessel Thunder has been designed and constructed to be self-sufficient for extended periods of time in remote locations.

With two main tanks and two reserve tanks, the R/V Thunder can carry 3,500 gallons of diesel. The reserve tanks allow the vessel to stay on location for extended periods of time while collecting survey data, performing construction support or conducting oceanographic research. The vessel is SCBA & Air Line diver capable. The vessel, with nine (9) comfortable state room berths, two (2) day berths in the pilot house, two (2) double drop down table berths in the main salon, and four (4) bunks in the captain/crew quarters, provides a total berth capacity for nineteen (19) persons. Full size appliances, a chest freezer and ample storage provide full service galley accommodations. A 600 gallon per day water maker provides potable water while off shore. Two Northern Lights 20kW generators provide abundant diverse power.
 

The vessel is equipped with cable raceways and large workstations for a variety of electronic workstations; a 6’ x 19” computer rack provides space for client rack mounted electronics. Deck equipment includes a substantial 110kg Bruce anchor for storm conditions, full USCG safety equipment, a 4,500 lb deck crane, an A-arm for towing operations and a moon-pool with sonar mounting shaft.  The helm is equipped with Furuno electronics, marine PC, Max-Sea professional software, WAAS and DGPS, auto-pilot, and three Stidd helm chairs. Propulsion is provided by twin Caterpillar C-18  1,001hp diesels, ZF gearboxes and Hamilton 461 jets with commercial Hamilton redundant controls and MECS low speed maneuvering system. The R/V Thunder carries a 17’4” welded aluminum center console stabi-craft or a 14' jet drive stabi-craft skiff. Four point lifting eyes or custom built boat lift straps allow the R/V Thunder to be lifted by cranes aboard ships for worldwide transport, maintenance or repairs, when shipyards are not available. She can also go dry on her bottom whenever necessary.

The R/V Thunder is available for charter for specific short or long term projects and can be configured and staffed to meet the customer’s needs. The R/V Thunder has an unlimited area of operation, worldwide.