OC San Orders Construction of Hybrid Ocean Sampling Vessel

All American Marine (AAM) has been awarded a contract to construct a 63-foot hybrid catamaran for the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San). The vessel, designed by Teknicraft, will be utilized for ocean sampling and scientific research and will feature a hybrid propulsion system powered by Cummins QSB 6.7 engines and ABB’s Series Hybrid technology. To meet California’s zero-emissions standards, the vessel will utilize a BorgWarner Energy Storage System (ESS) to provide 30% of its operational power, storing up to 588kW of clean energy.

The hybrid catamaran, tailored for the Southern California coast, will enable OC San to efficiently conduct environmental monitoring, marine research, and ocean sampling. Equipped with advanced technology such as a Teledyne Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), an Okeanus dual-drum winch, and a custom-built A-frame, the vessel will handle complex oceanographic research and sample collection. The deck design will accommodate over 10 scientists, and the main cabin will feature both a dry and wet lab, as well as live-aboard amenities for extended research missions.

Construction of the hybrid catamaran will take place at All American Marine’s facility in Bellingham, WA, ensuring compliance with US Coast Guard Subchapter T standards. OC San is committed to safeguarding the marine environment off the coast of Orange County in Southern California through its Ocean Monitoring Program. The program’s primary objective is to monitor the potential environmental impacts of OC San’s discharge of treated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean, ensuring adherence to local, state, and federal regulations.

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