GONDAN Shipbuilders announce that following an extensive international tender process lasting approximately three years, the company has been selected to construct two state-of-the-art research vessels for the Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie (BSH). BSH is Germany’s federal authority responsible for maritime safety, environmental monitoring, and nautical charting.
The project, which includes the construction of the new “Wega” and “Deneb,” is part of the German government’s plan to modernise its research fleet and ensure continuous operations in the North Sea and Baltic Sea. Designed in collaboration with Seaplace Engineering, with a length of around 70 meters and a beam of 15 meters.
Germany’s Federal Transport Minister, Patrick Schnieder : “Modern shipping depends on reliable data. The better the data foundation, the more reliably digital systems can support safe navigation. In addition to traffic safety, the defense policy component is also gaining increasing importance due to the geopolitical situation. The two new ships are absolutely essential to continue reliably meeting these requirements.”
“With the fleet modernisation, we are ensuring constant operational readiness in the North Sea and Baltic Sea with one ship each, equipped with the necessary specialised equipment and an experienced crew,” explains Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie, President, Helge Heegewaldt. “In the event of accidents, we can quickly investigate underwater obstacles and initiate further measures. Our surveying and oceanographic data collection are also relevant for Germany’s defense capabilities through the Navy.
“The engines are designed for green methanol and reduce CO₂ in the maritime sector. Both new ships have been awarded the ‘Blue Angel, UZ-141 for ship design’ ecolabel.”
They will 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 state-of-the-art 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 defence capabilities.
GONDAN Shipbuilders will undertake the construction of these research vessels applying the highest standards of engineering, sustainability, and energy efficiency, ensuring technical development that is fully aligned with BSH requirements. This award, in addition to strengthening GONDAN’s workload for the coming years, confirms the confidence of European administrations and public bodies in its industrial capacity, operational reliability, and construction excellence.
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