Knud E. Hansen, DTU Aqua Pact on Marine Research Vessel

Danish naval architectural firm Knud E. Hansen has signed a contract with the Technical University of Denmark's DTU Aqua (National Institute of Aquatic Resources) on consultancy assistance for a project study and concept design of a 65M multidisciplinary marine research vessel to replace the aging R/V DANA IV from 1981.

"Knud E. Hansen signed the contract on the basis of our references in designing fishing vessels and in-depth know how in marine research vessels and icebreakers for scientific operations, like the RSV NUYINA for the Australian Antarctic Division," said a press release from the Danish company.

The concept study will clarify design drivers and evaluate on the preliminary construction, requirements and budget for a new R/V DANA V. The objective for the concept study is to evaluate on the feasibility of the project and provide the business case and documentation for the ongoing process of raising finances for the construction of the ship.

Knud E. Hansen and DTU Aqua will be working closely together optimizing the concept design within the requirements for a approx. 65M marine research vessel.

The project team stress the importance of cost efficiency in all aspects of the concept study as well as creating a design with minimal operating and lifespan costs. Such a ship will in a European context become a unique platform for marine research and polar exploration in the Arctic regions at an attractive price.

Like the R/V DANA IV the new research vessel will be designed for operations in icy waters in both the Baltic Sea and the North Atlantic. The vessel should be classed to Polar Code PC B 6/7 as well as comply with high standards for low level of underwater radiated noise during scientific operations.

The ship will be designed with an efficient fishing gear configuration and will have several laboratories. Also, the vessel will be designed for multiple scientific equipment on board as well as operational installations and sensors at the bottom of the hull. On deck, a large A-frame will be designed for handling various equipment and fishing gear. Smaller cranes operating from the side of the vessel will handle smaller nets and sampling equipment.

The project study and concept design will be finished by Knud E. Hansen in 6 months and will be completed with a technical report and a general arrangement for the continued design process as well as a report for the use of government officials in further processes.