On December 20th, 2017 the research vessel ATAIR was laid on keel at Fassmer Shipbuilding Company. The vessel was ordered by German “Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie” (Federal Maritime And Hydrographic Agency). Prior to keel laying, extensive model tests in calm water and in seaways had been conducted at SVA Potsdam GmbH.
The ship overall length is 75 m with a moulded breadth of 17 m at a design draught of 5 m. It must be emphasized that ATAIR will be the first seagoing LNG driven ship of the German Federal Administration. The propeller has to fulfill the Silent-R classification requirements of DNV GL and was developed by SVA Potsdam. Both cavitation tests and pressure pulse measurements showed that the propeller design will meet these requirements.
The new ATAIR will replace the 30 years old precursor ship and will be put into service in 2020.
