Final outfitting begins on German education ministry's new research vessel

German shipbuilder Fassmer has begun final outfitting on Meteor IV, a new vessel commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung; BMBF).

The Meyer Werft Group is building the new research vessel together with Fassmer on behalf of BMBF. The vessel had earlier left Meyer Werft's yard in Papenburg and is now at Fassmer's facilities in Berne.

The completed Meteor IV will have a length of around 125 metres, a gross tonnage of approximately 10,000, and a cruising speed of 12 knots. In addition to 35 scientists, there will be room on board for 36 nautical and technical crew members.

The vessel is designed for worldwide multi-functional and interdisciplinary research operations, primarily in the Atlantic.

Meteor IV will replace the existing Meteor, which has been in service with the BMBF since 1986, and Poseidon, which has already been decommissioned. The new vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2026.