ONAWAY — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Moran Iron Works marked a milestone in the construction of the R/V Steelhead II, a next-generation research vessel designed to advance fisheries research and conservation efforts across Lake Michigan.
According to a March 20 news release, following the formal contract award, MIW has now completed the keel laying officially launching the vessel’s assembly and marking the next phase in this innovative project.
The R/V Steelhead II will replace the aging S/V Steelhead, which has served the DNR’s fisheries research programs for over five decades. Engineered with modern advancements, the new vessel will enhance stability, efficiency and safety, allowing researchers to spend more time on the water collecting critical data to guide sustainable fisheries management.
Among its state-of-the-art features, the R/V Steelhead II will incorporate a Sea Keeper gyroscope, which reduces vessel rocking by up to 80%, a bow thruster for precise maneuverability, and specialized safety lighting. The overall vessel design was created by Boksa Marine Design.
Gregory Schultz of Schultz Marine Services, responsible for the vessel’s electrical integration, described the scale of the undertaking.
“The electrical system is extensive, with approximately 10 miles of wiring supporting navigation, communication, and operational controls,” Schultz said. The vessel will be stationed in Charlevoix and operate throughout Lake Michigan.
Patrick O’Neill, project lead for the DNR, emphasized the importance of this milestone. “This project has been in development for a long time, so seeing the steel come together is a major step forward. Our collaboration with Moran Iron Works has been outstanding, and their expertise ensures we’re building a vessel that will serve our research needs for decades,” O’Neill said. “With improved stability and enhanced safety, our team will be able to collect more accurate data to support fisheries conservation.”
“This is a Michigan-built vessel for Michigan waters, and that’s something we take great pride in,” John Madigan of Superior Boats said. “The DNR needed a high-quality research platform, and MIW’s commitment to excellence ensures they’ll receive a vessel designed to meet their rigorous standards.”
“This vessel is a first of its kind, and that’s what makes it so rewarding,” Moran said while reflecting on the technical challenges and sense of pride associated with the project. The complexity of integrating specialized research facilities, a laboratory, layout for netting, a crane and advanced stability systems has pushed our team’s craftsmanship to new levels. We take great satisfaction in knowing this vessel will stay in Michigan, directly benefiting our state’s natural resources and communities.”
Scheduled for launch in 2026, the R/V Steelhead II represents a long-term investment in Michigan’s fisheries research and environmental stewardship. With an emphasis on sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and local craftsmanship, the vessel will play a critical role in safeguarding the health of Lake Michigan’s aquatic ecosystem for the next 50 years.