SA Govt funds a new coastal research vessel

The South Australian Government has used its 2025–26 Budget to allocate $25.35 million for a new state-of-the-art coastal research vessel, which will be matched with $19 million from the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). The 37.7-metre vessel will replace the 40-year-old MRV Ngerin, which has served as a cornerstone of South Australia’s marine research capability and has undertaken over 500 voyages, but is now unable to meet the growing demands of modern marine science.

The new vessel is set to support a wide range of marine research, including fisheries, aquaculture, climate science, oceanography, and significant marine events such as the harmful algal bloom (HAB) that is currently affecting South Australia. Equipped with high-tech oceanographic tools, it will allow for the collection of water samples and comprehensive data from various depths throughout the water column.

The vessel’s advanced sensors and technology should enable the collection of critical data, which will significantly contribute to addressing known data gaps in national databases and enhancing oceanographic forecast models. It will also play a crucial role in deploying and maintaining coastal observing platforms, including moorings that can be equipped with advanced sensors designed to detect HABs, which will help guide effective response strategies.

The vessel will be the only dedicated coastal research vessel operating in southern Australia east of Esperance, giving South Australia a competitive edge in attracting national projects, research collaborations and supporting the development of the ‘blue economy’. It is expected to support over 200 days at sea each year, providing critical infrastructure for agencies, universities and industry across the nation, and strengthening South Australia’s reputation for world-leading marine science.

“South Australia’s marine industries and coastal environment are vital to our state’s economy and way of life — and investing in a modern research vessel ensures we remain leaders in marine science and sustainable development,” said SA Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven.

“This new vessel will enable world-class research to support our $477 million fisheries and aquaculture industries, expand our knowledge of the oceans, and strengthen our capacity to respond to climate change, biosecurity threats, and marine events like the algal bloom currently impacting South Australian waters.

“This is a once-in-a-generation investment that will benefit South Australia and the broader southern Australian research community for decades to come.”

With US marine engineering firm Glosten having unveiled a concept design for the new research vessel last year, the funding announcement enables the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the research division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, to progress into procurement and design. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and the vessel is anticipated to be operational by late 2029.

Image credit: Glosten.