ONAWAY — Progress on a state-funded research vessel intended to strengthen fisheries science on Lake Michigan moved into a visible phase this fall as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Moran Iron Works announced that construction of the R/V Steelhead II has passed the halfway point.
Hull and layout reveal vessel scale
State and shipyard officials said a walkthrough of the vessel at Moran Iron Works’ Onaway facility gave DNR staff their first sense of the ship’s interior footprint: the hull has been laid out and all three levels are set, allowing researchers and technicians to picture how the boat will function once in service.
"It was neat to see the full footprint of the project come to life," said Captain Patrick O'Neill, the DNR project lead. "Walking through where our researchers will stand and run tests gave us a strong sense of how the vessel will function in action."
The R/V Steelhead II is intended to succeed the aging S/V Steelhead, which for more than five decades supported the DNR’s fisheries research programs. Officials say the new vessel will provide updated capabilities for sampling, monitoring and conservation work across Lake Michigan once it enters service.
Timeline and collaboration
According to the DNR, the ship is scheduled to begin sea trials next year, with a target to launch into Lake Charlevoix after the ice clears in spring 2026. Both the DNR and Moran Iron Works described the project as highly collaborative, with planning and execution involving regular coordination.
- DNR and Moran teams meet every two weeks to review progress.
- Architects and engineers conduct milestone site visits.
- Project management at the yard is credited with sustaining communication and schedule focus.
"Moran Iron Works with support from our many great partners have now progressed passed the 50% point on vessel construction," said Tyler James, project manager for Moran Iron Works. "The Michigan DNR continues to be a great partner during this vessel build."
Project leaders emphasized that while the structure is now clearly visible, considerable work remains before the vessel is ready for scientific operations, including outfitting laboratories, instrumentation, safety systems and propulsion testing.
Why the R/V Steelhead II matters
The replacement vessel is part of a broader effort to modernize tools for fisheries science and management in the Great Lakes. Updated platforms allow researchers to collect higher-quality data, support longer offshore missions, and adapt to new sampling technologies that inform stock assessments, habitat studies and conservation measures.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Hull and three levels | Laid out/set |
| Construction progress | Over 50% |
| Sea trials | Planned for next year |
| Target launch | Spring 2026 into Lake Charlevoix |
Local industry involvement also provides an economic dimension to the project. Moran Iron Works, a shipbuilding firm in Onaway, is executing the build, and DNR officials highlighted the frequent interactions between state staff, architects and the yard as critical to keeping the schedule and specifications aligned.
Next steps and community outlook
With sea trials slated for the coming year, attention will turn to outfitting the vessel’s research spaces and final system integration. The DNR will likely continue to brief partners and stakeholders as milestones are reached and as scientists begin planning research campaigns aboard the new vessel.
For communities and resource managers around Lake Michigan, the R/V Steelhead II is intended to replace decades of service from the S/V Steelhead with a modernized platform to support fisheries assessment, habitat monitoring and conservation research for years to come.
As the build advances, the DNR and Moran Iron Works indicated they will remain in close contact to ensure the vessel meets operational needs and arrives on schedule for its planned 2026 season.
