With the arrival of new research vessel Thórunn Thórðardóttir in Iceland, the vessel it replaces has become surplus to requirements.
However, the 55-year old research veteran Bjarni Sæmundsson isn’t on its way to a breaker’s yard, but has been sold to Norwegian company Holberg Shipping, which supplies a number of maritime services, such as well boats, guard, shuttle and crew change services.
Bjarni Sæmundsson was built in Germany for the Institute of Marine Research in 1970, and at the time was an outstandingly innovative vessel, with two diesel engines powering electric propulsion motors – technology that is now being touted as the latest thing.
The fully insulated engine room and rubber mounts for the engines to minimise vibration were also innovative at that time.
The only other Icelandic vessel to be outfitted with similar technology is research vessel Árni Friðriksson, which was built in 2000.
Bjarni Sæmundsson was delivered in December 1970 and departed for its first research trip in January the following year. Over the ensuing decades it has been central to a variety of research surveys into pelagic and demersal stocks, as well as carrying out oceanographic and planktonic research duties.
