Construction of Dana V
Construction – from design to commissioning
The construction of Dana V is an extensive and technically demanding project that spans several years and involves specialists from ship design, research, and industry.
The vessel is built to support advanced marine research and is therefore designed with high flexibility and robustness for sailing in challenging waters.
During the construction phase, a wide range of technical systems and research infrastructure are installed – including acoustic sensors, laboratories, data networks, and specialized equipment for monitoring and sampling. These components are continuously integrated as the ship is built, ensuring that Dana V is ready for the final testing phase and commissioning upon delivery.
Design and yard
Dana V is designed by the Danish Dana Consortium, which consists of Knud E. Hansen and Odense Maritime Technology (Denmark).
Ship technical consultancy, daily supervision and project management: OSK Design A/S (Denmark).
Dana V is being built by the shipyard Construcciones Navales P. Freire, S.A. (Spain).
Time frame
Dana V is expected to be delivered in autumn of 2027. DTU will then prepare the ship with scientific equipment and furnishings for research cruises, and test cruises will be conducted.
Key milestones for the shipbuilding:
- November 2025: Keel laying
- November 2026: Launching
- September 2027: Delivery from the shipyard and return to Denmark
- Autumn/winter 2027-28: Assembly and testing of equipment and fixtures, preparation for operation.
Project organization
- Executive Vice President, University Director, DTU, Claus Nielsen
- Head of Institute, DTU Aqua, Anna Rindorf
- Director, Office for Research, Advice and Innovation, DTU, Jakob Fritz Hansen
- Director, Office for Policy and Relations, DTU, John Sarborg
- Head of Business Controlling, Office for Finance and Accounting, DTU, Torsten Foersom
- Head of Shipping Company and Professor, DTU Aqua, Fritz Köster
- Head of Administration, DTU Aqua, Lene Lindebjerg
- Senior Executive Officer at Office for Research, Advice and Innovation, DTU, Iben Frøkjær Strand
- Executive Vice President, University Director, DTU, Claus Nielsen
- Head of Shipping Company and Professor, DTU Aqua, Fritz Köster
- Head of Administration, DTU Aqua, Lene Lindebjerg
- Senior Executive Officer, Office for Research, Advice and Innovation, DTU, Iben Frøkjær Strand
- Dana V Project Management
- Programme Manager Michael Haldborg Schlünzen, DTU Aqua
- Head of Maritime Service and Master Jesper Sandager, DTU Aqua
- Technical Project Manager Rasmus B. Bilde, OSK Design A/S
- A.P. Moller Foundation
- Arctic Command
- Danish Centre for Marine Research
- Danish Environmental Protection Agency
- Danish Fishers Producers Organisation
- Danish Maritime
- Danish Pelagic Producers Organisation
- Danish Shipping
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources
- Havstovan—Faroe Marine Research Institute
- Maritime DTU
- Maritime Research Alliance
- Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities
- Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation
- Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ministry of Higher Education and Science
- Orient’s Foundation
Financing
The design and construction of Dana V is financed by the Danish state, DTU and private foundations.
Financing of Dana V has been made possible by grants from the state's research reserve and by two crucial donations of 50 million DKK each from A.P. Moller Foundation (A.P. Møller and Hustru Chastine Mc-Kinney Møllers Fond til almene Formaal) and from Aktieselskabet Dampskibsselskabet Orient's Foundation, and in addition DTU's co-financing.
The operation of Dana V is financed by the users of the ship.