The RV Resilience is the first hybrid vessel in the DOE fleet and will help push the next generation of technology to power the blue economy. Credit: Andrea Starr, PNNL.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has commissioned the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) first hybrid diesel-electric research vessel, RV Resilience, with the aim of advancing marine energy technology.

The vessel was commissioned with funding from DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) and is a testament to the potential for decarbonising marine transportation.

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Its dedication ceremony took place in August 2024 at PNNL’s Sequim campus, marking a significant milestone in marine energy research.

RV Resilience, a 50-foot vessel, has a range of research capabilities, including environmental impact studies and marine power installations.

The vessel features observation stations, laboratory space, and a spacious deck, complemented by an A-frame and crane for deploying research equipment.

With a 5,000-pound payload capacity, it can also facilitate acoustic testing, marine mammal observations, and autonomous vehicle operations.

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RV Resilience features custom standard diesel engines capable of producing 374kW each, supplemented by two EM-PMI375-T200-2600 motor-generators. It is the first hybrid drive vessel in DOE’s fleet and also comes with advanced safety systems, ensuring the safety of researchers on board.

It can cruise at 20 knots with the help of diesel engines and up to seven knots on battery power, offering nearly silent, emission-free operations for over four hours, which is crucial for sensitive marine research.

The Resilience’s silent operation when running on batteries not only minimises noise pollution for marine wildlife but also allows for more precise acoustic measurements.

The PNNL team is currently finalising operating procedures and training for the vessel’s crew. Its inaugural research project will thoroughly evaluate its performance across different hybrid modes.

Construction of the vessel was a collaborative effort between PNNL and Snow & Company, with design contributions from Incat Crowther and Pacific Power Group.