The ALUCAT® new model series begins! We present custom-built catamarans designed to meet the specific operational requirements of our customers.
We begin the series with the W18 CAB6 research catamaran, customized for marine research operations for Innomar. What makes the vessel truly unique is a deck-integrated diving hatch, specifically designed to meet Innomar’s operational needs and the inspiration behind the project name “Moonpool.”
Innomar & the Vessel’s Purpose
Innomar is a German marine technology company specializing in the development and manufacture of advanced acoustic underwater measurement and research systems. The company focuses on equipment used for seabed mapping and sub-bottom profiling, applied in marine research, fairway and route surveys, as well as construction and environmental studies.
The Moonpool research catamaran has been customized for marine research operations. The customer’s most critical requirement was that research equipment could be handled safely and unobstructed, even in rough conditions and with a small crew, while also enabling year-round operation in all weather conditions. Above all, easy and unobstructed access to the sea was essential. For this reason, a dedicated hatch was designed in the bow of the vessel, allowing research equipment to be deployed efficiently into the water. Such a solution is only possible with flat-deck catamaran hull designs. In close cooperation with the customer, the W18 series CAB6 model was selected, offering extensive customization possibilities and accommodation for up to eight people.
Moonpool Customization
A spacious cabin with modern amenities was essential for the customer, along with ample storage capacity for research equipment. In addition to the helm console, the cabin is equipped with a dedicated workbench, enabling efficient work onboard the vessel. The CAB6 professional cabin was selected for the vessel, featuring effective sound insulation and vibration damping. Air conditioning and heating were also installed to ensure comfortable working conditions throughout the year.
The cabin offers ample space, onboard comfort, and dedicated equipment to support research operations.
A crane was installed on deck to make the handling of heavier research equipment easier and safer. The concept also enables efficient operation of the research vessel by a single operator or a small crew.
A Maxilift crane with a maximum lifting capacity of 200 kg was selected. The crane can be operated either manually from the crane itself or via remote control, for example from the quay.
Technical specifications:
Below is a brief overview of the Moonpool catamaran’s technical specifications:
Hull & Dimensions
- Hull length: approx. 8.80 m
- Beam: 2.48 m
- Usable deck area: 18 m²
Performance & Capacity
- Engines: Suzuki 2 × 150 hp
- Payload capacity: approx. 2,000 kg
- Displacement (max. load): approx. 4,000 kg
- Draft at full load: approx. 0.50 m
The Innomar Moonpool research catamaran is based on the W18 series catamaran, featuring a hull length of approximately 8.80 metres, a beam of 2.48 metres, and a usable deck area of 18 square metres. The platform therefore offers extensive space for customization.
The vessel is powered by twin Suzuki 150 hp outboard engines, providing excellent performance. The W18 model has a payload capacity of approximately 2,000 kg and a displacement of around 4,000 kg at maximum load. With a draft of approximately 0.50 metres at full load, the catamaran enables easy and versatile access to shore, making it particularly well suited for archipelago conditions.
The catamaran hull design provides exceptional stability, which is essential when conducting research operations offshore. The catamaran is fuel-efficient and designed for a long service life, with all components being upgradable, replaceable, or serviceable.
The vessel has been engineered so that research equipment and onboard systems can be updated at any time without the need for major structural modifications.
The Moonpool project is a clear example of how every ALUCAT® catamaran is designed based on the specific operational requirements of each customer. Every detail is developed in close cooperation with the client, taking into account their individual needs and preferences.
Planning to invest in a research or workboat? Get in touch with us, and let’s design an ALUCAT® catamaran tailored precisely to your operational needs.