During the backdrop of Harland & Wolff being acquired by a Spanish state-owned shipbuilder, Navantia, its Belfast facility last month had the research vessel RV Corystes receive its annual dry-docking and maintenance period.
The work carried out at the shipyard was in partnership with the vessel managers, Heyn Engineering, on behalf of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), a UK government agency that provides scientific research & services to support Northern Ireland.
While in dry dock, the 52m vessel's extensive program of repairs over 10 days included painting and steelwork repairs.
RV Corystes fulfills a vital role in Northern Ireland's marine research, conducting regular surveys to monitor fish stocks, analyze seabed conditions, and assess the overall health of our local waters. These data support sustainable fisheries management and help safeguard our marine ecosystem.
Operating primarily in the Irish Sea, RV Corystes carries specialized equipment for oceanographic research, including advanced sonar systems and sampling apparatus that enable scientists to study everything from fish populations to water quality.
As Afloat reported last year, an order for a new £28m government-owned research vessel for AFBI was awarded to another Spanish shipyard group, Astilleros Armon Vigo S.A. They also built the Marine Institute’s RV Tom Crean, built in 2022, to the same ST-366 design of the 52.8m new build, which will replace the 35-year-old RV Corystes, with delivery due in early 2027.
