The vessel is powered by twin Tier 3 CAT C18 engines, rated at 803 bhp/2100 rpm. The vessel has a cruising speed of 24 knots. It has liveaboard accommodations for 14 persons and can accommodate up to 30 passengers on day voyages.
The vessel allows marine scientists from DUML and other institutions to conduct research along the Atlantic seaboard in a wide range of fields including marine ecology and conservation, biological oceanography, and renewable energy ocean development. The Duke Marine Lab is a year-round teaching and research campus located on Pivers Island in Beaufort, North Carolina. It offers academic programs at the doctoral, masters and undergraduate levels, and is home to the Nicholas School of the Environment Marine Science and Conservation programs.
In addition to the university’s programs, the vessel is used to support science outreach programs for local K-12 teachers, students, and community members. Researchers and instructors from other institutions will also be able to charter the vessel for scientific or educational purposes.