The R/V Steelhead II will be built by Onaway-based Moran Iron Works
Advanced technology, improved crew safety, solar energy and more precise Lake Michigan fisheries data — that’s what is on the horizon for Michigan Department of Natural Resources when the new research vessel (R/V) Steelhead II is completed. The DNR today announced the first step by awarding the vessel construction contract to Moran Iron Works of Onaway, Michigan.
The DNR expects the new research vessel to be on the water for the 2026 field season.
“We at Moran Iron Works are proud to be a part of another turnkey vessel for the Great Lakes Region,” said Victor Rupert, vice president of operations for Moran Iron Works. “Projects like the R/V Steelhead II fabricated for the Michigan DNR complement our niche and resources by utilizing our high-quality welders, highwire corridor and deep-water port in Rogers City, Michigan.”
Tom Moran, founder and CEO of the company, attributes the manufacturer’s successful bid to the skill and efficiency of his team.
“This contract is a compliment to our entire team here at Moran Iron Works, and the pinnacle of success for me personally,” said Moran. “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.”
The DNR’s decision to award the construction contract to an established Michigan-based company followed a competitive bid process. The award to a Michigan vessel manufacturer also aligned with the interest of the state Legislature, which appropriated the funding for this vessel build as part of the 2023 state budget bill and addressed remaining funding needs with the 2025 budget bill.
The new vessel
“The R/V Steelhead II will replace the aging survey vessel Steelhead, which has been operating on the Great Lakes for almost 60 years,” said Pat O’Neill, DNR Fisheries Division boat captain. The S/V Steelhead is approaching the end of its reasonable and safe life expectancy. Repairs are becoming more costly, and parts are becoming very difficult to procure.
The new 66-foot, steel-hulled vessel will be a vast improvement over the antiquated S/V Steelhead and include upgrades to improve vessel operation, safety and crew accommodations. In contrast to the original diesel engines that power the S/V Steelhead, the Steelhead II will incorporate rooftop solar panels, reducing its overall carbon footprint, and be powered by two Environmental Protection Agency Tier III diesel engines that utilize high-efficiency emission control technology.
Better tools, better results
“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.
Like its predecessor, the R/V Steelhead II will conduct surveys using multiple types of gear to inform fisheries management in Lake Michigan. The vessel will incorporate modern scientific equipment to better quantify prey fish abundance — critical information to support management efforts for the recreationally popular trout and salmon fisheries throughout Lake Michigan.
“Advanced, modern hydroacoustic technology will be adopted on the R/V Steelhead II — technology that will support improved data collection from a more reliable, modernized platform,” said Ben Turschak, research biologist at the Charlevoix Fisheries Research Station.
Capt. O’Neill said the R/V Steelhead II will allow staff at the Charlevoix Fisheries Research Station to continue their work on Lake Michigan with tremendous improvements in safety, flexibility and dependability over the vessel’s projected 50-plus-year life span.
“Crew safety is greatly improved with state-of-the-art navigational systems, watertight compartmental hull design and a gyro stabilizer designed to minimize the vessel roll in rough seas,” O’Neill said. He cited another enhanced feature of the new vessel: a mechanical platform that can be lowered to water level to facilitate activities such as diving, maintenance of scientific equipment and streamlined crew-overboard recovery.
The R/V Steelhead II was designed by Boksa Marine Design of Lithia, Florida. Company president Nick Boksa has ties to Michigan; he grew up on Lake Michigan and attended the University of Michigan to earn a degree in naval architecture and marine engineering.
Construction will take place over the next year. Following delivery of the new vessel, the S/V Steelhead likely will be sold at auction to recover funds for the DNR Fisheries Division. Visit Michigan.gov/FishResearch to learn more about the department’s Great Lakes fisheries vessel program and the Charlevoix Fisheries Research Station.
The new 66-foot, steel-hulled vessel will be a vast improvement over the antiquated S/V Steelhead and include upgrades to improve vessel operation, safety and crew accommodations. In contrast to the original diesel engines that power the S/V Steelhead, the Steelhead II will incorporate rooftop solar panels, reducing its overall carbon footprint, and be powered by two Environmental Protection Agency Tier III diesel engines that utilize high-efficiency emission control technology.
“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.
