New DNR research vessel will be solar powered, made in Michigan

A state-of-the-art research vessel will soon hit the water for the state Department of Natural Resources. It’s being built by a Michigan company and will replace the state’s oldest working boat.

“The Steelhead” has been used by the Department of Natural Resources to survey fish populations since the 1960s – but the boat wears many hats. It’s also been used to stock game fish, track water data, provide search and rescue and much more.

“Data collected aboard the S/V Steelhead over the last 56 years have been instrumental in providing fisheries managers with the information needed to effectively and appropriately manage Lake Michigan’s fish populations,” said Patrick Hanchin, manager of the DNR’s Charlevoix Fisheries Research Station.

Hanchin said the new vessel, called the Steelhead II, will be better suited to study the Great Lakes in the 21st century.

Over the years, the Steelhead has required more repairs but parts for the nearly six-decade-old boat have been harder to find.

Hanchin said the Steelhead II will allow the crew to continue its work on Lake Michigan with improvements in safety, flexibility and dependability over the vessel’s projected 50-plus-year life span.

Solar power will supply some of the vessel’s lab technology and engine batteries. The crew’s quarters will also be more comfortable with individual rooms faring better on choppy water.

“Crew safety is greatly improved with state-of-the-art navigational systems, watertight compartment hull design and a gyro stabilizer designed to minimize the vessel roll in rough seas,” said Steelhead Captain Pat O’Neill in a press release.

The Onaway company Moran Iron Works will construct the vessel which Hanchin says will be wrapped up by the end of 2025. The DNR decided on Moran after a competitive bid process.

The award to a Michigan vessel manufacturer also aligned with the interest of the state Legislature, according to the DNR. Lawmakers appropriated the funding for the new boat as part of the 2023 state budget bill.

“This contract is a compliment to our entire team here at Moran Iron Works, and the pinnacle of success for me personally,” said Tom Moran, the company’s CEO. “Only because of that do we get the honor to build one of the most meaningful vessels on the Great Lakes. We will exceed the expectations of the DNR and make them proud they chose a Michigan company.”

Following delivery of the new vessel, the Steelhead likely will be sold at auction to recover funds for the DNR Fisheries Division.