Thomaston, Maine – September 08, 2026 -- LM Workboats, a division of Lyman-Morse, has been contracted to build a 59-foot aluminum research vessel for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, targeting year-round operations on the Chesapeake Bay and near-coastal Atlantic waters.
Vessel specifications call for twin MAN diesel engines and 20-knot speed
The Subchapter T-certified craft measures 59.06 feet in length overall with a 19-foot beam, 4.92-foot maximum draft, and a full displacement of 44.0 tons. Twin MAN diesel engines are designed to deliver a minimum speed of 20 knots at 90 percent rated engine power, while a dynamic station-keeping system will hold precise position during sampling in variable tidal and current conditions.
Chartwell Marine co-designed the platform for multi-mission scientific operations
The vessel was engineered in collaboration with UK-based naval architecture firm Chartwell Marine, which specializes in high-performance aluminum workboats. A large aft working deck with an integrated A-frame will support deployment and retrieval of sampling gear, buoys, and other mission-critical equipment.
Build will meet Coast Guard, ABYC, AWS, and UNOLS standards
The vessel will carry a Certificate of Inspection for up to 20 passengers on inland and near-coastal waters. "Subchapter T means every aspect of the build, from structural engineering and welding to fire suppression and stability testing, is independently reviewed and verified,