b'MEMBER NEWS:THOMA-SEA MARINE CONSTRUCTORSMEMBER NEWSWILL BUILD TWO NOAA RESEARCH SHIPSP VAAssociateMemberThoma- will be homeported in Honolulu. The secondworldwide ocean survey and data collection.SeaMarineConstructorsLLC,ofship, to be namedDiscoverer, will be assigned a Houma,LA,wasrecentlyawardedahomeport at a future date.Designed as single-hull ships, both vesselswill $178,082,877 contract for the detailed designbe built to commercial standards. They will and construction of two new oceanographicOperatingwithacrewof20andabletoincorporate the latest technologies, including research ships for the National Oceanic andaccommodateupto28scientists,thenewhigh-efficiency, environmentally friendly EPA Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Theships will support a wide variety of missions,Tier IV diesel engines, emissions controls agencys fl eet of research ships is aging, so thisranging from general oceanographic researchfor stack gases, new information technology contractrepresentsamajorstepforwardinandexplorationtomarinelife,climate,andtools for monitoring shipboard systems, and recapitalizing it. oceanecosystemstudies.Thesemissionsunderwater scientifi c research and survey include shallow coastal, continental shelf, andequipment.Thefi ship,tobenamed Oceanographer,rst BRIX MARINE DELIVERS NEW WATER TAXIN ew name, new year, new vessel built and delivered. Brix Marine (formerly Armstrong MarineUSA),PortAngeles,WA,has delivered a new water taxi, Liberty National I, to a New Jersey-based golf club after a successful launch and sea trials in Port Angeles Harbor. The vessel ownerselectedtheBrixMarinedesignlastyear and will utilize the planing catamaran to transport passengers between North Cove Marina in New York and the private clubs dock in New Jersey.The water taxi carries a U.S. Coast Guard certifi cate of inspection (COI) for 30 passengers and 2 crew, and features Helm Master electronic steering, an aft second station, spacious walk through cabin, NorthernLights12kWgenerator,andGarmin/Furunonavigationequipment.TwinYamaha 425hpoutboardsprovideacruisespeedof25 knots.Through the cabin, a wraparound bench seat on the foredeck, which includes additional storage, allows for optimal sightseeing and photo opportunities for guests. The bold vinyl wrap and Lumishore color changingunderwaterlightingensureastriking appearance on the water.Brix Marine Sales and Marketing Director Charlie Cranesaid,Thefeedbackhasbeenpositive. Liberty National I is the talk of the neighborhood, and the members have been impressed by the bold exterior and very comfortable interior. The vessel has exceeded expectations for speed, performance, and presentation. FEB 2021 41 MEMBER NEWS'