Markets

Oceanographic

State-of-the-art equipment for ocean exploration

Solutions for marine exploration

Innovation in marine research

In the world of marine research, the technology and deck machinery for oceanographic vessels, seismic vessels and other scientific vessels are essential elements for the success of operations in challenging environments. Ocean exploration involves not only a deep understanding of marine ecosystems, but also the need for robust, reliable equipment that ensures the safety and effectiveness of missions. To that end, we offer a wide range of solutions designed to meet the most demanding requirements of ocean research.

Specialized equipment for challenging environments

We provide everything from A-Frames and telescopic cranes to Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS) for remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and sampling devices such as CTDs (Conductivity, Temperature and Depth). To operate in deep waters and extreme weather conditions, we design every component of our machinery for maximum robustness and reliability. In this way, we ensure that our equipment can withstand the harshest environments, enabling scientists and technicians to carry out their research without interruption, even under the most hostile conditions.

Systems integration

Systems and controls integration is a fundamental aspect that ensures efficient operations at sea. Our equipment is fitted with technology that enables seamless coordination between the various on-board systems, optimizing response times and operational effectiveness.

FERRI Systems control panels for scientific vessels

Rapid interventions with cranes and davits

The ability to perform rapid interventions is vital in ocean exploration. Our cranes and davits are designed to facilitate the handling of heavy loads, scientific equipment and crew, enabling agile and safe operations. This responsiveness is essential not only for operational efficiency but also for ensuring the safety of personnel on board and the integrity of the equipment.

Ease of handling in the hangar

In addition, our access systems and monorail cranes facilitate the handling of loads within the hangar, optimizing space and improving on-board logistics. At FERRI we know that ease of access and equipment handling are fundamental to maintaining an efficient workflow, particularly during prolonged missions on the high seas.

State-of-the-art technology

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, our equipment is prepared to face the challenges of the ocean and contribute significantly to science and research. Constant innovation and adaptation to new sector demands are fundamental pillars of our corporate philosophy. We are committed to providing solutions that not only meet the highest standards but also inspire confidence in those who embark on the mission of exploring and understanding the vast marine world.

Crane with Active Wave Compensation (AWC) for an oceanographic vessel

Ocean exploration is a field that demands specialized equipment and advanced technology to carry out meaningful research. Our range of deck machinery for oceanographic and scientific vessels is designed to overcome the challenges of the marine environment, ensuring safe and efficient operations. With a focus on innovation and systems integration, we are at the service of the scientific community, contributing to the advancement of knowledge about our oceans and their invaluable biodiversity.

References

Completed projects

Ships and programmes in this sector already working with FERRI equipment. Tap each one to see the challenge and the solution.

BAP Carrasco · Telescopic LARS for workboats

Peru · Peruvian Navy · Polar oceanographic vessel

BAP Carrasco

Telescopic LARS for workboats

The challenge

Operational safety and scientific versatility: launching support boats even in rough water, without interrupting missions.

The FERRI solution

Long-reach telescopic arms keep the boat clear of the hull to prevent swell impacts. Their compact design beneath the upper deck frees up working space on the main deck.

The ship

Built by Freire in Vigo, polar class PC7; since 2017 the platform for Peru's Antarctic expeditions.

Other FERRI equipment on board

A-frame, side LARS for CTD rosettes, oceanographic, fishing and traction winch system, knuckle-boom cranes.

Pegaso · Transverse LARS in below-deck hangar

Malta · Oceanographic explorer yacht

Pegaso

Transverse LARS in below-deck hangar

14 t over either side

The challenge

Launch and recover workboats and a crewed mini-submarine from an interior hangar.

The FERRI solution

A crane made to measure for the ship and the submarine, for loads up to 14 t on either side, with minimal hangar headroom and megayacht-grade finishes.

The ship

An expedition yacht of about 73 m launched by the Freire yard in Vigo; its submarine dives to about 160 m. She now sails as Naia.

Other FERRI equipment on board

Stowage cradles for the workboats and the submarine.

Sarmiento de Gamboa · Stern A-frame for ROV and telescopic boom for CTD

Spain · CSIC · Oceanographic vessel

Sarmiento de Gamboa

Stern A-frame for ROV and telescopic boom for CTD

The challenge

Launch and recover an ROV and the CTD rosette, coordinated with the winches on board.

The FERRI solution

A stern A-frame designed to handle the ROV at sea, with a winch built into the structure for its manoeuvres. A telescopic boom that brings the rosette down to the waterline.

The ship

Built by Freire in Vigo (launched in 2006) and operated by CSIC's Marine Technology Unit, based in Vigo.

Other FERRI equipment on board

Hydrographic side A-frame for core drills, articulated arms and auxiliary equipment for seismic work.

Certification Bureau Veritas

RRS Discovery · Main offshore crane, docking head for the ISIS ROV and monorails

United Kingdom · NOC · Oceanographic vessel

RRS Discovery

Main offshore crane, docking head for the ISIS ROV and monorails

20 t containers in port

The challenge

Handle highly sensitive scientific equipment in offshore conditions, and move loads between two decks and three hangars.

The FERRI solution

Articulated electro-hydraulic crane for containers up to 20 t in port and precise offshore manoeuvres; damped, rotating docking head for the ISIS underwater robot; four monorail cranes, one with a minimum-height spreader.

The ship

Built by Freire in Vigo and delivered in 2013 to the UK's NERC; operated by the National Oceanography Centre from Southampton.

Other FERRI equipment on board

Bow crane, container movement system.

Ángeles Alvariño and Ramón Margalef · LARS for the Liropus ROV

Spain · IEO · Oceanographic vessels

Ángeles Alvariño and Ramón Margalef

LARS for the Liropus ROV

The challenge

Launch and recover a Liropus-class ROV.

The FERRI solution

Auxiliary winch, oceanographic bar and shock-absorbing docking head for the ROV; wide swing angle through a connecting-rod system and auxiliary snatch blocks for fishing work.

Other FERRI equipment on board

5 t at 9 m articulated electro-hydraulic crane, telescopic boom, side and stern A-frames, boat davit.

Certification Bureau Veritas

Odón de Buen · Knuckle-boom cargo crane

Spain · IEO-CSIC · Research vessel

Odón de Buen

Knuckle-boom cargo crane

The challenge

Handle scientific containers, lab modules and heavy oceanographic equipment with precision in open sea.

The FERRI solution

A crane that lets the deck be reconfigured for each mission and safely deploys ROVs and autonomous underwater vehicles, polar exploration included.

The ship

Flagship of the Spanish research fleet: 84.3 m, built by Astilleros Armón in Vigo and delivered to CSIC in 2024, based in Cádiz.

Ocean Researcher V · Stern A-frame

Taiwan · Oceanographic vessel

Ocean Researcher V

Stern A-frame

The challenge

Launch and recover oceanographic research equipment, large ROVs included.

The FERRI solution

Large-diameter sheave for the umbilical signal cable and large-scale structures to operate big ROVs.

Other FERRI equipment on board

Telescopic boom, side A-frame, slewing fairlead for the wire to each A-frame.

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