Design of a Coastal Research Vessel with Low Underwater Noise Signature

The R/V Hugh R. Sharp is a general purpose oceanographic research vessel designed to have a low underwater noise signature. This was achieved to offer the SHARP as a platform for fisheries research. The Sharp was designed and constructed primarily with funding from the University of Delaware. After a period of additional outfit and cross decking of equipment from the R/V Cape Henlopen, she entered service in March of 2006. The Sharp is unique on several different levels. She meets the ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Seas) standard for reduced radiated noise signature for fisheries research. Sharp is a much smaller ship. The Sharp draws less than 10 feet at her maximum operating displacement. The Sharp is a general oceanographic research platform. The achievement of the ICES level quiet operation was conceived as a bonus feature that will hopefully increase her sea days in any given year. The R/V Sharp was extensively trialed and tested in the Puget Sound waters near the shipyard. Acoustic testing included an airborne noise survey, a ship-wide vibration survey and an underwater noise survey. These surveys were performed as both quality inspections of the ship and also preliminary check of underwater noise before the Sharp was tested at a nearby government facility. The R/V Sharp is a good example of original thinking applied to a mid size ship design. The design team blended some of the best ideas on both larger and smaller ships and tailored the engineering for an economical solution to design and construction