The Freire Shipyard in Vigo has celebrated the keel laying of the new research vessel for Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU -Technical University of Denmark). The 70-metre Dana V will have a 16-metre beam and accommodation for 38 crew and scientists as it is set to become a world-class platform for research and education.
‘It is a great pleasure that we can now mark the beginning of the construction of Dana V. With the construction of Dana V, Denmark will have a research vessel at the latest and most advanced technical level, which can operate almost silently in oceans and Arctic waters. Dana V will be a crucial platform for a wide range of research tasks,’ said DTU Director Claus Nielsen.
A replacement for Dana IV, this new vessel is designed by the Knud E. Hansen A/S consortium, Odense Maritime Technology A/S and Naval Architects, with environmental sustainability at its core. The vessel can operate on either biodiesel or batteries, switching between propulsion systems as mission requirements dictate, particularly for operations demanding silent navigation.
Dana V will be a multidisciplinary research platform including research on fish stocks, marine ecosystems, ocean currents, and biodiversity variations. The design allows for studies on the interactions between biology, physics, and climate, as well as geological conditions of the seabed and water column.
‘This keel laying of Dana V is an important milestone, and I am looking very much forward to the final delivery in the autumn of 2027. With Dana V, we will be able to conduct multidisciplinary research including advanced hydroacoustics is noise reduced and having a polar-class,’ says professor Fritz Köster.
Dana V will be equipped with advanced systems ensuring high-quality data collection and documentation. Its instruments include the latest scientific sonars, sound velocity meters, trawl control systems, and other specialised marine research equipment.
‘Dana V represents a major leap forward for Danish marine research. Equipped with the most modern technology, it combines long-range operational capabilities with a strong focus on marine ecosystem preservation, allowing it to operate in the most demanding Arctic conditions. This vessel reflects our commitment to innovation and marine science,’ said Marcos and Guillermo Freire, general managers at Freire Shipyard.
