With construction now underway as of April 2025, Dana V marks a major leap forward for Danish marine research - and OSK Design is playing a central role in bringing this next-generation research vessel to life. The project officially launched with a Kick Off meeting held in April.
As the appointed technical project manager, OSK Design is guiding the entire process: from early-stage planning and tendering to construction supervision and delivery of one of the most advanced research vessels Denmark has ever contracted.
The 70-metre vessel, commissioned by DTU, will replace the aging Dana IV, which has served Danish research since 1981. Designed to meet the needs of a new era, Dana V will support a wide range of research disciplines, operate in Arctic conditions, and serve as both a high-tech laboratory and a training ground for the next generation of marine biologists, scientists and maritime engineers.
Technical expertise from start to finish
OSK Design’s role spans the full lifecycle of the vessel’s development. Working closely with DTU and the broader marine research community, OSK has been responsible for defining technical requirements, managing procurement strategies, and driving the design process forward in close collaboration with stakeholders.
Following an EU-wide tender, the shipbuilding contract was awarded to Spanish shipyard Construcciones Navales P. Freire, S.A., known internationally for their work on customised research and naval vessels. OSK Design continues to lead the technical management and on-site supervision of the build process, ensuring quality, compliance, and delivery according to the project’s ambitious goals.
The shipyard will deliver Dana V to DTU in autumn 2027. DTU will then prepare the vessel for research voyages, including outfitting it with advanced laboratory equipment.
Designed for research, built for the future
Dana V is purpose-built for flexibility, performance, and sustainability. A hybrid propulsion system allows the vessel to switch between (bio)diesel and battery-electric power, enabling silent operation when needed - crucial for acoustic research missions such as advanced hydroacoustic tasks in ice-filled waters, where the ship is capable of operating. These features also support geological exploration and environmental studies in both regional and Arctic waters.
The vessel is designed with adaptability in mind. Open, modular interior spaces and containerised laboratory units make it easy to reconfigure the ship between voyages. Researchers and students alike will benefit from integrated digital systems that provide real-time access to operational and environmental data - from engine performance to data from the ship’s advanced underwater sensor systems.
As technical lead, OSK Design is proud to play a key role in delivering this flagship project, which will anchor Denmark’s marine research capabilities for decades to come.