The University of Mayotte will soon be equipped with a new scientific vessel named KARA, dedicated to research conducted in the Mayotte lagoon. The vessel will be built by the Laïta Sailing shipyard in Quimperlé. The ARMOR-X design plans have just been approved by the client, and the steel plates required for hull construction are currently being delivered to the shipyard. Construction is expected to begin shortly.
Main characteristics:
- Overall length: 8.0 m
- Overall beam: 2.5 m
- Engine power: 150 HP
- Navigation category: Category 4 (Division 222)
- Capacity: 6 passengers
Main equipment:
- Lifting davit with winch
- Forward landing door
- Bulwark doors
- Protective canopy
- Storage compartments
- Work area with folding table and fold-down seats
- Diver recovery ladder
Designed for versatility and to provide a large working area, KARA will support a wide range of operations, including scientific diving, deployment of measurement instruments (cameras, current meters, light ROVs, Niskin bottles, etc.), bathymetric surveys, scientific fishing, as well as water and sediment sampling.
The vessel can also serve as a drone platform, a workspace for processing samples within the lagoon, and for transporting researchers and equipment to hard-to-reach areas. Adapted to shallow waters and low-speed operations, it will meet the specific requirements of scientific missions conducted in Mayotte.
We would like to thank the University of Mayotte for their trust and efficient collaboration, which enabled the plans to be validated in record time.
We also thank Laïta Sailing for their collaboration.
We will soon share the first stages of construction with you!
