AFBI’s New Research Vessel Hits the Water
Date published:
AFBI today marks a significant milestone in the delivery of its new state-of-the-art marine research vessel with a formal ‘launching into the water’ at the Astilleros Armón shipyard in Vigo, Spain.
The vessel will become a cornerstone of marine science in Northern Ireland, supporting fisheries, environmental and ecosystem research. The launch was attended by dignitaries including the AFBI Chair Professor Grace Mulcahy and senior AFBI officials, as well as representatives of the Spanish shipyard.
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, speaking about the ceremony, expressed his delight at the progress of the project.
" It is with great pleasure that I can announce the launch of AFBI’s new Research Vessel the R.V. Jocelyn Bell Burnell. The investment of approximately £30m indicates the recognition by the Department and AFBI of the importance of marine science and our joint commitment to better understanding the future changes in the marine environment and the impacts and opportunities these may bring.
I am very pleased to learn that the vessel’s construction is continuing apace and that delivery may be possible ahead of the February 2027 schedule. I am excited that we are now at the stage where the vessel is to be launched. Unfortunately, other commitments prevent me from attending this event in Vigo, however we look forward to a full celebration when the vessel is completed and can be formally commissioned at its new home port, Belfast.’
The decision to name the vessel after Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, the Northern Irish astrophysicist who discovered the first radio pulsars, was revealed during the ceremony. The name was chosen to honour her pioneering scientific work and to inspire future generations of scientists.
Professor Grace Mulcahy of AFBI, commented,
“AFBI is pleased to mark this launch ceremony. The project has been a testament to the close cooperation between the DAERA and AFBI teams. It is a sophisticated and technically complex vessel, and we are confident that she will serve the scientific community of Northern Ireland with distinction for many years to come.
Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell is a global icon in science. Naming our research vessel after her is a recognition of her immense contribution to scientific discovery and a statement of our own commitment to excellence in marine science. The R.V. Jocelyn Bell Burnell will be at the forefront of cutting-edge research, helping us to better understand and protect our seas."
The launching marks the completion of the vessel’s hull. It will now be moved to another part of the shipyard for the next phase of construction. This includes the installation of the superstructure, scientific equipment, machinery, and internal fittings. The ‘outfitting’ phase is expected to take approximately 12 months, followed by a period of rigorous sea trials to ensure all systems are fully operational and meet the stringent specifications before the vessel travels to Belfast for commissioning.
The 53-metre vessel, with its advanced scientific equipment and environmentally friendly design, is a significant leap forward for AFBI. It is being built to the highest standards of modern research vessel design, incorporating features that will enable a wide range of scientific activities, from trawling for fisheries surveys to deploying remotely operated vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles for detailed seabed mapping and environmental monitoring. The vessel is also being constructed with a focus on noise reduction to minimise disturbance to marine life during sensitive surveys.
The vessel is expected to arrive in Belfast in early 2027 for an official commissioning ceremony. Once operational, it will be a key asset for AFBI, conducting critical research to inform policy and support the sustainable management of Northern Ireland’s marine and fisheries resources. The vessel will conduct a wide range of tasks including stock assessment surveys, oceanographic and ecosystem studies, and marine habitat mapping. The data collected will help protect biodiversity, support sustainable fishing, and address climate change impacts.
The vessel marks a new era for marine science in Northern Ireland. It will significantly enhance AFBI’s ability to deliver world-class research, contributing to a deeper understanding of the marine ecosystem and support a healthy future for the seas around Northern Ireland.’
Notes to editors:
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is an arms-length body of DAERA delivering statutory and surveillance science, research and development, emergency response capability and expert scientific advice for DAERA and other government departments, public bodies and commercial companies in Northern Ireland, and further afield.
Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell DBE FRS FRSE FRAS FInstP is a Northern Irish astrophysicist. As a postgraduate student at the University of Cambridge in 1967, she discovered the first radio pulsars.
Jocelyn Bell Burnell – renowned astrophysicist from Lurgan, County Armagh (1943- ). Forced her path through the world of science in the days when it was unusual enough for women to work let alone make one of the most significant astronomical discoveries of the 20th century (pulsars) that was worthy of a Nobel prize. The name will be contemporary symbolising scientific excellence, exploration, discovery, curiosity, and under-recognised brilliance – inspiring forward-looking, inclusive and transformative research.
Key features of the new vessel include:
• Length: 52.8 metres
• Beam: 14 m
• Hybrid-electric propulsion with battery and biofuel capabilitiy
• Multibeam and single-beam echo sounders for seabed mapping and acoustic ecosystem research
• A silent operational mode to minimise noise pollution for sensitive acoustic surveys.
• Dedicated scientific laboratories
• Scientific winches and cranes
The vessel is scheduled to be officially commissioned and become operational in early 2027 following its arrival in Belfast.
AFBI’s Vision is “Scientific excellence delivering impactful and sustainable outcomes for society, economy and the natural environment”.
AFBI’s Purpose is to deliver trusted, independent research, statutory & surveillance science, and expert advice that addresses local and global challenges, informs government policy and industry decision making, and underpins a sustainable agri-food industry and the natural and marine environments.
AFBI’s strategic priorities:
• Leading improvements in the agri-food industry to enhance its sustainability.
• Protecting animal, plant and human health.
• Enhancing the natural and marine environment.
• Delivering quality outcomes and impact.
• Enabling world class science through excellence in people, places & technology.