When the marine research vessel Dana V leaves port, it does so almost silently. The vessel, which will serve as Denmark's national platform for research, education, and innovation within the marine, maritime, and geological disciplines, has been designed by Danish naval architects to keep noise to a minimum.
This is made possible by the vessel's two diesel-electric engines, which-unlike traditional diesel engines in large vessels-produce very little noise. In addition, a battery pack ensures that the vessel's crew can switch the propulsion system from the engine to the battery if absolute silence is required while sailing.
According to Jesper Sandager, the ship's captain and head of section at DTU Aqua, this is an advantage when researchers and students need to take samples on board and study the marine life unfolding beneath the surface.
"The less noise we make, the better our access to life beneath the waves. The vision for Dana V has been that both people and animals should thrive on and around the vessel while at sea. In our view, this is the way to achieve the best results," he says.
A home away from home
Behind this vision lie many years of brainstorming, planning, and design work, which have resulted in the vessel currently being built at the Freire Shipyard in north-western Spain.
"It's a huge achievement that we've come this far, and it will be even more significant when we're ready for the launch," says Jesper Sandager.
