Denmark: Aarhus University Orders New Research Vessel

A new research vessel at a cost of DKK 40 million (approx USD 6.7 mln) will provide completely new opportunities for marine research at Aarhus University and in Denmark. The vessel will be built by A/S Hvide Sande Skibs- & Baadebyggeri shipyard and completed on 17 February 2014.

“It’s a great day and a big day for marine research at Aarhus University and throughout Denmark,” said Rector Lauritz B. Holm-Nielsen when the contract for Aarhus University’s new research vessel was signed on 27 June.

The rector emphasised that this vessel will provide the university with new opportunities for carrying out marine research.

“Marine research can’t just be done theoretically at the desk or on shorter expeditions. The new vessel provides a better opportunity for understanding marine environments, and we’re therefore very pleased that Aarhus University has a chance to improve this area of research throughout Denmark,” he said.

This will be the first Danish research vessel to be built in forty years, and it will not only benefit Aarhus researchers. All the Danish universities will actually be able to hire the vessel for research expeditions.

The name of the new vessel has not yet been chosen but it will be approximately 28 metres long with room for twelve people on expeditions of up to seven days.

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, July 8, 2012; Image: scitech.au