RV Marcelle Melosira

RV Marcelle Melosira
RV Marcelle Melosira docked next to the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain on September 12, 2025.
History
United States
NameMarcelle Melosira
BuilderDerecktor Shipyards
Acquired2023
HomeportBurlington, Vermont
IdentificationMMSI number: 368279110
StatusIn service
General characteristics
TypeResearch vessel
Length19 m (62 ft 4 in)
Beam6 m (19 ft 8 in)
PropulsionBAE Systems HybriGen system propulsion package
Capacity32
Crew3

RV Marcelle Melosira (MMSI number: 368279110) is a hybrid-electric catamaran research vessel and floating classroom owned and operated by the University of Vermont's Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources (RSENR).[1][2] She was delivered in 2023 to supersede RSENR's previous research vessel, RV Melosira. She sails under the United States flag on Lake Champlain in Vermont and New York. She is used often by RSENR for research, class labs, and other activities sanctioned by the university. When not in use, she can be found docked in front of the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain.[3]

Construction and Nomenclature

Nomenclature

Marcelle Melosira is named for Marcelle Leahy, wife of former Vermont senator Patrick Leahy,[4] and for the Melosira, RSENR's previous flagship research vessel, named for a type of diatom.

Construction

Marcelle Melosira is designed by Chartwell Marine.[1] She began construction in October 2020.[5] She was constructed at Derecktor Shipyards in Mamaroneck, New York[1] and was delivered in 2023.[3] The Marcelle Melosira is a hybrid-electric catamaran that features a BAE Systems hybrid drive[6], with up to 3 hours of pure electric run time, and a projected 60% reduction in fuel burnt from the previous flagship research vessel.[3]

Features

Features

Marcelle Melosira sports a number of scientific tools, including:[3]

  • Sonar technology
  • Fish & Plankton Sampler
  • Profiler for studying large particles & plankton
  • Echoview software to process hydroacoustic data
  • Gas analyzer
  • Corer for sampling sediment

References

  1. ^ a b c Maritime, Baird (2023-08-30). "VESSEL REVIEW | Marcelle Melosira – New hybrid research catamaran for University of Vermont". Baird Maritime / Work Boat World. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
  2. ^ "Derecktor delivers hybrid catamaran to UVM". Marine Technology Reporter. New York. August 2023. Archived from the original on July 19, 2025. Retrieved December 3, 2025 – via maritimemagazines.com.
  3. ^ a b c d "Research Vessel Marcelle Melosira and Other Boats | Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory | The University of Vermont". www.uvm.edu. Retrieved 2025-10-05.
  4. ^ Bewlay, Sid (2023-08-10). "UVM's new research vessel christened the 'Marcelle Melosira' with Leahy family". WPTZ. Retrieved 2025-10-05.
  5. ^ "University of Vermont selects Chartwell Marine, BAE Systems and Derecktor shipyards for pioneering research vessel – Chartwell Marine Ltd". Retrieved 2025-10-07.
  6. ^ Prevljak, Naida Hakirevic (2021-02-09). "BAE Systems to supply electric hybrid power & propulsion system for UVM's new vessel". Offshore Energy. Retrieved 2025-10-07.