The Spanish based shipbuilder Astilleros Gondan has – after an international tender process lasting approximately three years – been awarded the contract to build two new research vessels commissioned by the Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie (BSH), the federal agency responsible for maritime safety and nautical cartography in Germany.

The newbuilding project, which includes the construction of the new “Wega” and “Deneb,” is part of the German government’s plan to modernize its research fleet and ensure continuous operations in the North Sea and Baltic Sea.

Designed in collaboration with Madrid-based Seaplace Engineering, with a length of around 70 meters and a beam of 15 meters, these vessels will incorporate a propulsion system designed to use green methanol and certified with the “Blue Angel” environmental label.

The two research vessels will furthermore comply with DNV’s “Silent-R” standard, with low-noise operation that protects marine wildlife and allows for accurate acoustic measurements, and will feature dynamic positioning and hydrographic equipment – including the use of underwater and autonomous vehicles – to investigate underwater obstacles, perform complex underwater work, and collect oceanographic data critical to navigation, marine protection, and Germany’s defense capabilities.