The subdelegate of the Government in A Coruña made an institutional visit this morning to the oceanographic ship “Odón de Buen”, belonging to the Higher Council of Scientific Research (CSIC), which is docked in the port of A Coruña.
During the visit, the subdelegate highlighted the importance of the work carried out by this ship in marine research and in the observation of the marine environment, being a fundamental tool for the advancement of scientific knowledge about the oceans, their ecosystems and climate change.
“The Odón de Buen represents an example of the commitment of Spanish science to the protection and study of the seas. It is an honor to receive in our port a ship that combines state-of-the-art technology with a highly qualified human team at the service of the common good,” said the deputy delegate.
“The presence of the “Odón de Buen” in A Coruña is also an opportunity to strengthen the ties between the scientific institutions and the port and social fabric of the city, contributing to bring science closer to the citizens and to value the strategic role of the Galician ports as platforms for research and innovation,” he continued.
The subdelegate thanked the ship’s team for its reception and encouraged them to continue their work, which contributes decisively to the sustainability of marine resources and the improvement of scientific knowledge in the ocean field.
On the ship Odón de Buen
The “Odón de Buen” is the largest and most advanced oceanographic research vessel in Spanish scientific history. Belonging to the Spanish Institute of Oceanography of the Higher Council of Scientific Research (IEO-CSIC), it is attached to the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and was financed with 85 million euros, through the Ministry's own funds and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
With 84.3 meters of length and 17.8 meters of sleeve, it has a capacity for 58 people, of which 39 can be researchers. It has about 1,000 m² dedicated to scientific laboratories, distributed between internal and external covers, which allows multidisciplinary research in the areas of marine biology, geology, chemistry, physics and oceanographic technology.
The ship is prepared to operate in any ocean on the planet, including polar areas, and can reach depths greater than 6,000 meters. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology: unmanned underwater vehicles (ROV and AUV), multibeam bathymetric probes, bottom sampling systems and oceanographic rosettes for water column analysis. In addition, its hybrid diesel-gas propulsion allows for more efficient and low-emission navigation, reducing environmental impact and underwater noise.
The “Odón de Buen” represents a qualitative leap in Spain’s ability to address key scientific challenges, such as the study of climate change, marine biodiversity, the health of ocean ecosystems or the sustainable exploitation of resources. It is also a symbol of the institutional commitment to marine science, international cooperation and the commitment to R+D+I as a motor of knowledge and sustainable development.