American Duchess
HVAC | AMERICAN DUCHESS
LeBlanc & Associates designed and supplied the complete HVAC system for the American Duchess, a 295-foot luxury river cruise vessel operated by the American Queen Steamboat Company. Built in 2017 by Bollinger Amelia Repair, this passenger ship required a system that could meet both performance demands and luxury standards.
Custom-Designed Comfort
To maximize space and maintain the vessel’s clean interior design, we custom-built all air handling units to fit above the ceiling. This approach preserved valuable deck space for passenger amenities such as restaurants, lounges, and shops.
We equipped the HVAC system with a centralized control panel featuring a 17-inch LCD screen. From this interface, operators can manage and monitor the system with ease. Additionally, each guest suite includes its own thermostat, allowing passengers to control the temperature in their rooms independently.
Reliable Operation Year-Round
The system was designed for extreme temperature conditions. In the summer, it maintains 72°F indoors when the outside temperature reaches 94°F. In winter, it keeps interior spaces at 70°F even when outside temperatures drop to 30°F. These capabilities ensure passenger comfort during all seasons and throughout diverse cruising regions.
Scope of Supply
LeBlanc & Associates provided the following:
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Fresh-air air handling units
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Fans for sanitary spaces, the galley, and laundry areas
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Fan coil units for accommodations, galley, and laundry
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Cabin units with integrated heaters for crew quarters
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Discreet climate systems for public rooms
Tailored for Performance and Experience
We engineered this system with a strong focus on efficiency, durability, and passenger experience. Every component was selected to reduce noise, enhance energy savings, and maintain comfort throughout the ship. Our work on the American Duchess reflects our commitment to delivering high-performance HVAC systems tailored to the unique needs of marine vessels.