A new ocean research vessel home-ported in Hafnarfjörður
The nation's new research vessel, Þórunn Þórðardóttir HF 300, is now in its home port of Hafnarfjörður. The vessel replaces the Bjarni Sæmundsson, which has been in service since 1970.
First research ship named after a woman
There was a large turnout at the formal reception for the new ocean research vessel, Þórunn Þórðardóttir HF 300, yesterday. The town council was among the guests, but the reception was hosted by the Minister of Fisheries and the institution. They celebrated with the staff and others involved in the decision to add this brand-new research vessel to the nation's fleet. The reception was held at the headquarters of the Institute of Marine Research in Kópavogur. The ship is home-ported in Hafnarfjörður.
Magnificent, congratulations
Mayor Valdimar Víðisson presented the Director of the Institute of Marine Research with flowers on behalf of the City of Hafnarfjörður. „The ship is absolutely magnificent and equipped with the latest equipment for research,“ she says, pointing out that Þórunn Þórðardóttir, after whom the ship is named, was the first Icelandic woman to become a specialist in marine research.
„It was therefore very fitting that the ship arrived in its home port for the first time on International Women's Day, 8th March,“ he says. „I congratulate the Institute of Marine Research, the crew of the Þórunn, and all Icelanders on their new and magnificent ship.“
- The ship Þórunn takes over from the research vessel Bjarni Sæmundsson, which has been conducting marine research since 1970.
The ship of us all
Minister for Fisheries Hanna Katrín Friðriksson formally handed the vessel over to the Institute of Marine Research. „With robust research, we can ensure that decisions concerning the use of the ocean's resources are made on a solid scientific basis,“ she said. The decision concerned not only the nation's economy but also the protection of marine life and the sustainability of the resource.
„This is truly a ship for all of us,“ said Hanna Katrín, adding that the shipbuilding had gone well. The project had remained within budget. „It is a testament to good planning, disciplined execution and the respect that the building committee and partners have shown for the funds that the Althingi entrusted to them for the project. Something that is truly an example to follow.“ She thanked everyone involved in the project. The new research vessel will create opportunities for the Marine Research Institute in Iceland.