The European Union is set to allocate €68.3 million (US$75.53 million) in funding for the construction of a new research vessel for use by the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (Instituto Español de Oceanografía; IEO).
The newbuilding is expected to be complete by the end of 2023.
IEO fleet coordinator Jose Igancio Diaz said that the new vessel will have a maximum endurance of 45 days and will be capable of operating anywhere on Earth except polar regions whereas the vessels in Spain's existing research fleet could sail for no more than 30 days before they need to refuel.
Onboard accommodations will be for 25 crew and up to 40 scientists.