New York City, NY — Looking like something out of the future, or a science fiction movie, the spider-like environmentally-friendly catamaran named Proteus, sailed into New York Harbor today prior to embarking on its "One Ocean" mission through America's national marine sanctuaries.
New York City, NY — Looking like something out of the future or a science fiction movie, the spider-like environmentally-friendly catamaran named Proteus sailed into New York Harbor today prior to embarking on its "One Ocean" mission through America's national marine sanctuaries.
The remarkable looking craft is 100 ft. long, 50ft. wide and is highly stable and maneuverable. It has the ability to cross oceans. Along with very low fuel consumption, low draft, minimal wake at high speed, and soft hulls, the Proteus is considered environmentally friendly.
The Proteus was named after the ancient sea-god who was the guardian of all marine life and capable of changing shape and assuming many forms. This ultra-light, flexible catamaran vessel practically skim across waves. It is designed as a modular design allowing for a multitude of applications, including rescue missions, research and ocean exploration.
Its mission will highlight that the various man-made threats to marine resources in special protected areas such as habitat damage, water pollution, threatened wildlife populations and recovering fish stocks are the same world wide. Special marine protected areas in all the world's oceans are in need of enhanced public awareness, expanded science capabilities, and new strategies to safeguard resources.
The One Ocean mission is designed to build international alliances and strengthen ties between marine protected areas around the world by using advanced technology to promote better stewardship of the world's oceans.
!ADVERTISEMENT!
"We are very excited about our One Ocean mission and the use of advanced technology embodied in the Proteus to enhance partnerships between the United States and Italy and raise awareness about the importance of our one ocean," said Dr. Isabella Conti, co-founder of Marine Advanced Research.
"We are pleased that this mission will help people become more aware of the National Marine Sanctuary System in the United States and encourage all Americans to learn more about how they can help protect and preserve these underwater treasures for future generations to enjoy," said Daniel J. Basta, director, NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Program.
Through a relationship with HP, the vessel is also adorned with graphics from the technology leader's award-winning "The Computer is Personal Again" marketing campaign. The campaign theme emphasizes the vision of a highly individual and personal relationship with the computer that is unique to each user-whether they are creating a spreadsheet, a work of art or a next generation marine vessel. Marine Advanced Research uses HP technologies powered with the memory, performance and speed the team's engineers need to quickly and effectively make design modifications to Proteus as it goes through sea trials and into production.
"Marine Advanced Research is a company that embodies the spirit of HP's campaign,- blending personal drive with technological skill," said David Roman, vice president, Personal Systems Group, HP. "The advanced, environmentally conscious design of Proteus also aligns perfectly with HP's focus on creating elegantly designed, cutting-edge technologies, while also reducing their impact on the environment."
Proteus and crew anticipate visiting national marine sanctuaries off North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas and California this year and next. The public can follow the mission by visiting http://oceanslive.org.
The National Marine Sanctuary Program manages 13 marine sanctuaries and one national monument that together encompass more than 150,000 square miles of United States' ocean and Great Lakes natural and cultural resources. The sanctuary program seeks to increase public awareness of marine resources and maritime heritage by conducting scientific research, monitoring, exploration and educational programs.
Marine Advanced Research, Inc., is a California corporation founded in 2004 with the mission of bringing to market a radically new vessel class. The company's small team of innovators has created an extraordinary vessel that delivers modularity, light weight, long range, low impact, ease of operation, low cost and low fuel consumption. In recognition of its engineering excellence and groundbreaking innovation, Marine Advanced Research was honored with Autodesk "Inventor of the Month" Award in January 2007.
Proteus, is the first full-size Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel, developed by Marine Advanced Research, Inc.. The vessell recently completed a tour through Italy's Marine Protected Areas, where the One Ocean mission began in June.
