A new research vessel, named after renowned Lurgan astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, has been developed to provide a better understanding of marine ecosystems, detect climate signals and help the marine industries to adapt.
Named ‘RV Jocelyn Bell Burnell’, the 53m ship was officially launched in September 2025 at the Astilleros Armón shipyard in Vigo, Spain.
Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell forged her path through the world of science in the days when it was unusual enough for women to work, let alone make one of the most significant astronomical discoveries of the 20th Century [pulsars] that was worthy of a Nobel prize.
The Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute say the name will be contemporary “symbolising scientific excellence, exploration, discovery, curiosity and under-recognised brilliance – inspiring forward-looking, inclusive and transformative research”.
In practice, the AFBI believe the state-of-the-art vessel will become a “cornerstone of marine science in Northern Ireland, supporting fisheries, environmental and ecosystem research”.
The launch was attended by dignitaries including the AFBI Chair Professor Grace Mulcahy and senior AFBI officials, as well as representatives of the Spanish shipyard.
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, speaking about the ceremony, expressed his delight at the progress of the project: “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.”
Construction is said to be moving at pace and it is anticipated the vessel will be ready for delivery ahead of the existing February 2027 schedule.
While the Minister was unable to attend its launch in Vigo due to prior commitments, he added: “We look forward to a full celebration when the vessel is completed and can be formally commissioned at its new home port, Belfast.”
The decision to name the vessel after Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, the Northern Irish astrophysicist who discovered the first radio pulsars, was revealed during the ceremony. The name was chosen to honour her pioneering scientific work and to inspire future generations of scientists.
MLA for Upper Bann, Eoin Tennyson recently asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to expand upon how the RV Jocelyn Bell Burnell will assist the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute in carrying out research into the marine environment.
In response, Mr Muir said: “The research vessel Jocelyn Bell Burnell will give AFBI a step change in how it observes and protects the marine environment.
“It will be able to gather high-quality data and samples across the marine environment whilst reducing disturbance to marine life and lowering emissions.
“It will strengthen AFBI and DAERA’s ability to understand marine ecosystems, detect climate signals and help the marine industries to adapt.
“It will also help us join up land and sea, recognising that what happens on land also affects the ocean, and that a healthy ocean, in turn, supports our coasts, climate and economy.
“With a 30-year design life, the ship equips the next generation of marine scientists and secures the long-term evidence base needed to make sound decisions.”
Key features of the new vessel include hybrid-electric propulsion with battery and biofuel capability, multibeam and single-beam echo sounders for seabed mapping and acoustic ecosystem research, a silent operational mode to minimise noise pollution for sensitive acoustic surveys, dedicated scientific laboratories and scientific winches and cranes.
