RV Virginia profiled in American Ship Review 2020
Virginia Institute of Marine Science chose Finnøy Gear & Propeller to design and supply propulsion systems to the 93-foot research vessel RV Virginia. The Finnøy delivery includes gearbox type FINNØY 2G27-42FK, 5 blade CPP type P60.20.195.5D along with a 5th Generation Finnøy remote control system.
The purpose-built vessel for the Virginia Institute of Marine Science allow for researchers to monitor and study the Chesapeake Bay and its marine life much more effectively and expands VIMS' research footprint into the open waters of the coastal Atlantic from Maine to Florida. The vessel offers opportunities for internal and external environmental research related to offshore sand and mineral resources, offshore energy, and dredging and maintenance of navigational channels.
The propulsion package is provided by a pair of 660 BHP tier III Cummins QSK 19M engines coupled to a Finnøy 2G27-42FK two–in/one-out marine gear driving a Finnøy 5 blade, 1.95-meter diameter controllable pitch propeller inside of a RICE thrust nozzle with triple RICE rudders for steering.
The unique arrangement provides unique capability to operate the vessel efficiently on a single propulsion engine when on station or during slow speed transits. This reduces overall engine hours and improve fuel efficiency, minimizing its environmental footprint. The gearbox also powers a very robust hydraulic system via two independently clutched PTO’s, to support the suite of deepwater trawl winches and bow thruster.
Learn more about RV Virginia here: jmsnet.com
Professional Mariner, a journal of the maritime industry, has selected RV Virginia to one of the few ships be featured in American Ship Review 2020 due to its high degree of innovative design. American Ship Review covers the latest deliveries from shipyards in the United States and Canada, from ferries and excursion boats to research vessels, offshore supply vessels, and LNG-powered cargo ships.