A new government-funded research ship, to be built in UK shipyards, is intended to create jobs and support the nation's climate, energy, and food security. The government has committed to this new vessel as part of its strategy to reindustrialise the UK and support shipyards.
The 85-metre vessel, capable of accommodating over 40 people, will lead a new national system for monitoring the UK’s seas. Its tasks will include assessing fish stocks, mapping the seabed, monitoring pollution, and responding to marine incidents. It is planned to use clean fuels and incorporate automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
The new ship will replace the RV Cefas Endeavour, which has served UK marine science since 2003 and is due to retire in the early 2030s. The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) will lead the delivery of the vessel, which is expected to be operational in 2031 or 2032.
Professor Anjali Goswami, Defra Chief Scientific Adviser, stated that investing in a next-generation research vessel can help harness marine scientific understanding for better decisions on water, food, and energy security. Tim Green, Cefas CEO, described the investment as a significant moment for Cefas and UK marine science, providing scientists with the capability to understand changing seas and support sustainable fisheries.