New research vessel will replace 40-year workhorse

The Danish 68m multi-disciplinary research vessel, R/V Dana V will replace its predecessor to serve Danish Marine Sciences from 2027, and be put to work for DTU Aqua.

She will be designed for operations in icy waters in the Baltic and Arctic Seas, and classed to Polar Code B, PC6 as well as comply with low underwater sound levels as she works.

“R/V Dana V will be designed with the operational efficiency of the modern trawler combined with state-of-the-art multi-disciplinary science operations capabilities for marine research,” says marine consultant Knud E.Hansen, which set up DKK with maritime consulting firm Odense Maritime Technology.

The vessel will have efficient fishing gear configuration and several laboratories and will be designed for drop keel installation with a large hydro-acoustic sensor suite. An A frame will handle various gear, and smaller cranes operating from the side will handle smaller nets and sampling equipment.

As well as carrying out research in many different areas, such as oceanography, bathymetry, wildlife and geological research, seismic surveys and meteorology, R/V Dana V will offer training and testing facilities online while en route to students studying degree programmes at technical universities in Denmark.

The vessel’s build has been financed by the Danish government, AP Møller Fonden, Orient’s Fond and Den Danske Maritime Fond and contracted by the Technical university of Denmark (DTU). The shipyard tender is to be released early next year, with delivery by the end of 2026.

Knud E. Hansen employs about 100 naval architects and mechanical engineers in Denmark, Australia, the Faroe Islands, Spain, the UK and the US.