Friday, 03 October 2025
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) has reached a major milestone with the launch of its new research vessel, the R.V. Jocelyn Bell Burnell, in Vigo, Spain. The vessel, a £30 million investment supported by AFBI and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), will become a key asset in advancing marine science […]
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) has reached a major milestone with the launch of its new research vessel, the R.V. Jocelyn Bell Burnell, in Vigo, Spain. The vessel, a £30 million investment supported by AFBI and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), will become a key asset in advancing marine science in Northern Ireland.
Designed to support a wide range of research including fisheries surveys, oceanographic monitoring, ecosystem studies, and marine habitat mapping, the 53-metre vessel will play a central role in collecting data to inform policy, protect biodiversity, and address the impacts of climate change.
Although DAERA Minister Andrew Muir was unable to attend the launch in person, he welcomed the progress:
“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.”
He noted that construction is progressing ahead of schedule, with delivery potentially occurring before the target date of February 2027.
The launch ceremony was attended by senior AFBI officials, including Chair Professor Grace Mulcahy, and representatives of the Spanish shipyard responsible for the vessel’s construction.
Oceans are a critical regulator of the Earth’s climate, absorbing over 90% of the excess heat from global warming and roughly a quarter of human-produced CO₂. However, they are also under unprecedented stress from warming, acidification, deoxygenation, and biodiversity loss.
The R.V. Jocelyn Bell Burnell will help close key data gaps that currently limit our ability to understand these complex processes at a regional level. By collecting high-resolution oceanographic and ecological data, the vessel will contribute to long-term datasets essential for modelling climate impacts, forecasting ecosystem changes, and informing international climate reporting obligations.
The vessel is named in honour of Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, the Northern Irish astrophysicist who discovered the first radio pulsars. Her groundbreaking contributions to science and her legacy as a role model for future scientists were key factors in the naming decision.
Professor Mulcahy reflected:
“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 launch marks the completion of the hull, with the vessel now moving into the outfitting phase, a 12-month process that includes the installation of scientific equipment, internal fittings, and advanced marine technologies.
The vessel is designed to the highest modern research standards. Key features include:
Capability to conduct fisheries trawls, seabed mapping, and environmental monitoring.
Deployment of ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) and AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles).
Low-noise design to minimise disturbances to marine life during sensitive ecological surveys.
Once outfitting and rigorous sea trials are completed, the vessel will be delivered to Belfast for a formal commissioning ceremony expected in early 2027.
Once operational, the R.V. Jocelyn Bell Burnell will significantly enhance AFBI’s ability to conduct evidence-based marine research, supporting sustainable management of Northern Ireland’s marine and fisheries resources.
Its work will underpin key areas such as:
Stock assessments to ensure sustainable fisheries.
Ecosystem and oceanographic studies for environmental protection.
Marine biodiversity monitoring to support conservation.
Climate resilience research to address long-term environmental change.
This new vessel represents a transformative investment in marine science, reinforcing Northern Ireland’s leadership in protecting and understanding the marine environment for future generations.
Given the transboundary nature of marine ecosystems, research conducted aboard the R.V. Jocelyn Bell Burnell is expected to contribute to UK-wide, EU, and international scientific collaborations. This includes joint monitoring under frameworks such as:
The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD)
The North-East Atlantic Environment Strategy (OSPAR)
Cross-border initiatives between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
By acting as a mobile research platform, the vessel strengthens Northern Ireland’s role in regional and global efforts to protect and sustainably manage marine environments.
The launch of the R.V. Jocelyn Bell Burnell marks a transformative moment for marine science in Northern Ireland. As a state-of-the-art research vessel, it represents not only a significant investment in scientific infrastructure but also a tribute to one of the region’s most influential scientists. Once fully operational, it will provide critical data to support environmental stewardship, sustainable fisheries, and climate resilience. With its advanced capabilities and dedicated mission, the vessel is set to play a central role in shaping a more informed, sustainable, and resilient future for our seas.
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