Ocean research vessel for fisheries research, oceanographic, hydrographic, geological and ROV operations
Ocean research vessel for fisheries research, oceanographic, hydrographic, geological and ROV operations
The research vessel (RV) Mário Ruivo is a multi-purpose platform that allows to conduct Atlantic Ocean research surveys, contributing to increase scientific knowledge and understanding, leading to better informed policies and improving the management of the maritime space and its resources.
She is suitable for carrying out research activities in fishing, oceanography, hydrography, geophysics, geology and biology, to support the deployment and recovery of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and operation of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) , and to support mooring deployments for the study and monitoring of the deep-sea and water column.
With 75.6 m in length and 14.8 m beam, the RV Mário Ruivo can accommodate up to 47 people, including 27 researchers. She is based in Lisbon, an excellent location for operations in the Atlantic, and can spend up to 20 consecutive days at sea.
Name: Mário Ruivo
Type: State Research Vessel
Port of registry: Lisbon
Flag: Portuguese
Year of construction: 1986
Identification number: 913887
IMO number: 8402010
Call sign: C S D I
Official class register number/Lloyd’s number: LR 8402010
Class: Lloyd’s Register +100 A1 Machinery + LMC
Overall length: 75.60 m
Length (LOA): 65.80 m
Beam: 14.80 m
Moulded depth: 6.60 m
Maximum draught: 4.50 m
Hull material: Steel
Gross tonnage: 2 290 ton
Net tonnage: 687 ton
Vessel’s lightweight: 1 560 ton
Generator sets: 4 x BLACKSTONE, 4 x 400 kW
Bow thruster: Gill Jet Azimuth, 700 kW
Stern tunnel: 400 kW
Dynamic position: DPO
Adapted to provide support to the operation of ROVs and AUVs, namely the ROV Luso, property of the Portuguese Task Group for the Extension of the Continental Shelf (EMEPC).
Built in 1986 as a support vessel of the Royal Navy, she was initially designated as Salmaid. Later, she was acquired by the Scottish company Hays Ships and renamed Kommandor Calum. In 2013, the vessel underwent a refit, including the addition of a new bow and a new deck in the superstructure, and it was converted into a multipurpose survey vessel. In 2015, she was acquired by the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere, I. P. (IPMA) and renamed Mar Portugal, being further adapted to support fisheries research and ROV operations.
In 2020 was renamed Mário Ruivo, in honour of the Portuguese biologist, pioneer of oceans’ protection and scientific research of the sea. It was also equipped with new scientific equipment for mapping the seabed and water column in 2024.