Associate Professor Douglas Read, Maine Maritime Academy, sponsored by Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries in Stonington, has undertaken a research project to design an efficient coastal fishing vessel with substantially reduced fuel consumption and emissions. The result is a relatively small trimaran, suitable for conventional or electric propulsion, with power requirements 20-25% less than conventional monohulls in the desired speed range.

Using funds from a modest state research grant (Maine Economic Improvement Fund), MMA partnered with The Landing School in Arundel to construct a half-scale 22 ft. prototype/technology demonstrator. This presentation will cover the development of the design including initial trade-off study, two model test series, full-scale design, prototype scaling and construction, and ongoing design changes. The focus will be on the unique balance between hull shape, weight, and stability for a small displacement trimaran with a 12 to 16 knot cruise speed.

Doug Read is an Associate Professor of Engineering at Maine Maritime Academy. He holds a B.S. in NAME from Webb Institute, an M.S. in NAME from MIT, and a Ph.D. in Ocean Engineering from the University of Maine. He is a licensed PE in the state of Maine.

Venue:
Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries, 13 Atlantic Ave, Stonington