Construction of MBARI’s new flagship research vessel reached a major milestone last month. The new state-of-the-art ship, the R/V David Packard, is currently being built at Freire Shipyard in Vigo, Spain. Constructed in prefabricated blocks, the ship’s exterior frame is now complete, and shipbuilders transferred the R/V David Packard into the water on October 27, 2022.

Much work still remains for the ship following its launch into the water. Next, the Freire team will begin outfitting the ship’s interior, transitioning their focus to the vessel’s internal science and engineering systems.

“The R/V David Packard will expand MBARI’s research capabilities as a multi-mission vessel that can support not only remotely operated vehicles to observe life in the ocean but also various types of autonomous systems to assess ocean health. We’re excited to reach this important milestone in construction and look forward to welcoming this new ship to our fleet next fall and the exciting new science it will enable for our team,” said Michael Kelly, MBARI’s director of marine operations.

Kelly attended the launch of the R/V David Packard with the future captain of the vessel, Andrew McKee. They were joined by vessel construction supervisor William Moon and vessel construction coordinator Isabel Goñi-McAteer from Glosten, the naval architecture and marine engineering firm that MBARI engaged to refine design specifications for the new ship.

“The construction of an oceanographic research vessel for an esteemed organization like MBARI is a significant accomplishment. The R/V David Packard features advanced technology to support ROV operations and other scientific activities. For the past year, an extended team of shipyard staff and suppliers have worked together to bring us to this major milestone in construction,” said Maros Freire, general manager at Freire Shipyard.

“Glosten has a long history of supporting MBARI vessels, including the R/V Western Flyer, the predecessor to the R/V David Packard. We’re grateful to be able to continue our relationship with MBARI through the design and construction of their new research vessel. A lot of work and planning has gone into the project, so it’s great to see it hit the water. We look forward to the delivery of the R/V David Packard and the impact it is sure to make as a state-of-the-art platform for scientific research,” said Tim Leach, director of engineering at Glosten and principal-in-charge of the project.