The launch of the 'Anita Conti' marks a pivotal moment for French oceanographic research

Freire Shipyard Launches 'Anita Conti': A New Era of Sustainable Ocean Research for France

The advanced vessel, named after France's pioneering female oceanographer, boasts hybrid propulsion and cutting-edge scientific equipment to deepen understanding of marine environments

VIGO – Freire Shipyard celebrated the highly anticipated launch of the "Anita Conti," a state-of-the-art research vessel designed to significantly advance France's oceanographic capabilities. Built for the French national institute of ocean sciences (IFREMER) and set to operate for the national scientific community, the vessel honors France's pioneering female oceanographer, Anita Conti, whose legacy profoundly shaped the exploration and study of marine environments.

The "Anita Conti" is poised to fully integrate into the French oceanographic fleet in 2026, replacing the venerable vessel Thalia. Its design will enable the operation of advanced underwater vehicles, including AsterX, IdefX, UlyX, and Ariane, bolstering France's capacity for complex subsea exploration.

"The Anita Conti represents a decisive step towards a more modern, multipurpose and environmentally friendly scientific fleet, reinforcing our operational capabilities,” stated Olivier Lefort, Director of the French Oceanographic Fleet. This sentiment was echoed by Marcos and Guillermo Freire, general managers of Freire Shipyard, who expressed pride in their collaboration with IFREMER on a project adhering to the "highest scientific and environmental standards," further solidifying the shipyard's reputation as an international leader in oceanographic vessel construction.

Designed for Discovery: Hybrid Power and Silent Operation

The French-flagged vessel measures 45.00 meters in overall length with a beam of 11.50 meters. It is primarily designed for coastal research missions in mainland French waters, including the Bay of Biscay and the Channel, but also holds the capability for deployments in certain years along the coast of Africa, the Antilles, and the French West Indies-Guyana zone. It will accommodate a crew of 12 and a complement of 10 scientists.

Photo: Freire Shipyard

A standout feature of the "Anita Conti" is its comprehensive suite of energy-saving technologies and low-consumption solutions. These range from an optimized hull design and efficient electrical plant to a sophisticated energy distribution system, heat recovery mechanisms, high-level thermal insulation, and advanced air conditioning.

At its core, the vessel's diesel-electric propulsion system incorporates three variable-speed, biodiesel-compatible generator sets. These power two shaft lines driven by electric motors and a direct current (DC) electrical distribution system. This configuration, complemented by a battery pack, ensures exceptional energy efficiency, optimized fuel consumption, operational redundancy, and crucially, compliance with stringent acoustic requirements. The vessel has achieved BV COMF 2 class notation and the DNV SILENT-F standard, signifying extremely low underwater radiated noise – a critical feature for scientific research that minimizes disturbance to marine life and improves data acquisition. Its dynamic positioning system and electric bow thruster further enhance maneuverability.

Photo: Freire Shipyard

For its scientific mission, the "Anita Conti" will be equipped with a specialized gondola beneath the hull, housing all necessary acoustic transducers for exploring and mapping the seabed and water column. Onboard, it features dedicated laboratories and a scientific PC. The stern boasts an oceanographic marine telescopic main crane for launching and retrieval of scientific equipment, supplemented by an A-type stern gantry and a T-type side gantry. For scientific fishing operations, the vessel is also outfitted with two trawling winches and a removable net drum, providing versatility for various research needs.

Honoring a Pioneer

The vessel's namesake, Anita Conti (1899-1997), was a truly remarkable figure. As France's first female oceanographer, she was an explorer, photographer, and writer who bravely ventured into the male-dominated world of commercial fishing in the 1930s. Conti was a vocal advocate for sustainable fisheries long before the concept became mainstream, denouncing over-exploitation and highlighting the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems. Her pioneering work laid essential groundwork for modern oceanographic research and conservation efforts, making the "Anita Conti" a fitting tribute to her enduring legacy.

The launch of the "Anita Conti" marks a pivotal moment for French oceanographic research, promising to unlock new discoveries and contribute significantly to the global understanding and protection of our oceans.

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