The B/O Ramón Margalef and B/O Ángeles Alvariño are the regional oceanographic research vessels managed by the vessels unit of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) of the CSIC.
Both vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art electronic navigation and positioning systems and the necessary instruments for collecting water and sediment samples, determining the physical and chemical variables of seawater, and studying marine flora and fauna.
The B/O Ramón Margalef was delivered in 2011 and is specially designed for oceanographic and fisheries research, including the integrated study of ecosystems. It is classified as a regional vessel due to its size and capabilities. It has ten days of autonomy and can accommodate 11 researchers and technicians in addition to 14 crew members. It operates nationally and in adjacent seas and uses cutting-edge technology to study marine geology, physical and chemical oceanography, marine biology, fisheries and environmental control.
The B/O Ángeles Alvariño was launched in 2012. This vessel provides the national and European oceanographic fleet with a floating laboratory equipped with cutting-edge technology. It is also classified as a regional vessel and, like the B/O Ramón Margalef, is capable of employing the LIROPUS ROV. It has the capacity to accommodate 13 researchers and technicians in addition to 14 crew members. Its design also ensures low levels of radiated noise into the water, enabling it to work without disturbing the natural behaviour of marine fauna. Thanks to its advanced technology, it can study marine geology, physical and chemical oceanography, marine biology, fisheries and environmental monitoring.
