Norwalk's Maritime Aquarium To Get New Catamaran

NORWALK, Conn. -- The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is getting a new 19.2-meter catamaran research and classroom vessel, and it will be built by Robert E. Derecktor Inc., the Mamaroneck-based company has announced.

Robert E. Derecktor of Mamaroneck has announced it will build a new catamaran for use as a floating classroom by the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.
Photo Credit: *Robert E. Derecktor Inc.*

by The Daily Voice

04/18/2013 5:00 a.m.

The Maritime Aquarium has been providing student and public research voyages on Long Island Sound since 1988. The new Incat Crowther-designed, all-aluminum vessel will carry up to 65 students with a crew of five, the company said.

“We are happy to have this opportunity to build an unusual and sophisticated vessel for The Maritime Aquarium,” said Paul Derecktor, the company's president. “This vessel’s requirements match our fundamental competencies: high-quality custom aluminum construction with complex machinery installations. She will be another in a long line of outstanding technical achievements for the shipyard.”

The safety of the students is of paramount importance to the vessel’s design and construction, Derecktor said. The vessel will be fully compliant with the rules of the Americans With Disabilities Act and meet all current U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter T requirements.

Engineering will start immediately, and delivery is anticipated in May 2014.

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