Dana V

The quiet marine research vessel: This is how the Dana V will operate

In 2027, Denmark will get a new marine research vessel: Dana V. The vessel will operate in the Arctic and is designed to move quietly through the icy seas - providing optimum conditions for world-class marine and maritime research and education.

Conceptual drawing of the new Dana V by Knud E. Hansen. The research vessel is expected to be delivered in the fall of 2027.

Thursday 28 May 2026

Sari Vegendal

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.

In the graphic below, you can see the layout of the Dana V and read more about the special onboard amenities that help fulfill a vision of creating “a home away from home”:

Oops, this feature requires cookies

To view the content, you must change your cookie consent to allow functionality cookies

The vision for Dana V is to be an excellent research and teaching environment while offering optimum on-board leisure and relaxation facilities. You can see the facilities here—and read more about the thoughts behind them.

The vessel will be owned by DTU, but it will be available for use by all research communities in Denmark, and the relevant ministries can look forward to receiving data on, for example, fish stocks, the marine environment, and marine resources.

The team behind the construction project is also looking forward to fulfilling one of the vessel’s core missions: training tomorrow’s marine scientists, geologists, and maritime engineers.

“Dana V will be a unique learning platform where the sea is just outside the auditorium window, and the students can take samples and conduct laboratory tests on board. This is the ideal course if you’re dreaming of a future in the marine and maritime sector,” says Jesper Sandager.

Dana V will replace the current marine research vessel Dana IV, with delivery expected in autumn 2027.

The vessel in numbers

The Dana V will be 70 metres long. This is equivalent to twice the height of the Round Tower in Copenhagen.
The vessel will weigh 2,545 tonnes.
Dana V is classified as Polar Class 6, which means it can sail all year round in broken ice or in thinner ice measuring up to 50 cm.
There is room for 38 people on board, with 18 people in single-berth cabins and 20 people in two-berth cabins.

Funding

Funding for Dana V

The construction of Dana V has been made possible by a significant grant from the Danish state’s research reserve funds and two substantial donations of DKK 50 million from the A.P. Moller Foundation and Aktieselskabet Dampskibsselskabet Orient’s Fond. In addition, DTU has provided co-financing.

Contact

Jesper Sandager Head of Section, Captain National Institute of Aquatic Resources Mobile: +45 23653038 jesand@aqua.dtu.dk