The German government awards Astilleros GONDAN the contract to build two advanced hydrographic research vessels.
Following an international tender process lasting approximately three years, Astilleros GONDAN has 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 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 Seaplace Engineering, with a length of around 70 meters and a beam of 15 meters, these vessels will incorporate a high-efficiency propulsion system designed to use green methanol and certified with the “Blue Angel” environmental label, which translates into a significant reduction in emissions and a lower climate impact. 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 defense capabilities.
The shipyard will undertake the construction of these 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.