Technical specifications

• Length overall (LOA): 69.5 m
• Length between perpendiculars (at waterline): 63.2 m
• Beam: 15.8 m
• Draft: 5.4 m
• Depth to main deck: 8.6 m
• Gross tonnage: 3,148 GT

Svea is built for efficient and quiet operation during extended expeditions.

• Maximum speed: 13.5 knots
• Cruising speed: 11 knots
• Stabilisation system: Passive U-tank anti-rolling system
• Noise reduction: Complies with ICES 209 standard for underwater radiated noise
• Endurance: 16 days at sea
• Fuel capacity: 247 m³
• Freshwater capacity: 154 m³

Svea offers modern and comfortable accommodations designed for extended expeditions.

• 24 single cabins + 4 double cabins, all with private bathrooms
• Total capacity: 32 persons (including at least 11 crew members)
• Comfort class: COMF-C(2)V(2) – low noise and vibration levels

DNV  (Det Norske Veritas) is an international classification society that certifies vessels for safety, functionality, and environmental performance. R/V Svea is classified as follows:

• +1A1 – full ocean-going class
• E0 – unattended machinery space monitoring
• ICE-1B – ice class for operation in ice-covered waters
• DYNPOS-AUTS – advanced dynamic positioning system
• SPS – special purpose ship for research with enhanced safety requirements
• TMON – hull and vibration monitoring
• BWM-T – certified ballast water management
• COMF-C(2)V(2) – comfort class for low noise and vibration levels
• CLEAN – environmental class with low emissions
• NAUT-AW – navigation safety class for open water operation

Svea is powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system, where electricity from three diesel generators drives two electric motors connected to the main propeller. The system enables quiet and flexible operation – ideal for research work.

Technical details:

• 2 × Caterpillar 3512C, 1350 bkW / 1600 rpm
• 1 × Caterpillar 3508C, 783 bkW / 1600 rpm
• AC generators: 690 V, variable frequency
• 2 × Indar IMU-710-L/8 AC motors, 1000 kW, 0–145 rpm
• 1 × fixed pitch propeller, Ø 3600 mm (Wärtsilä)

The bridge is equipped with an integrated navigation system (Furuno) that combines steering, radar, echo sounders, and other navigation data into a single interface. Dynamic positioning (DP I) from Kongsberg Maritime allows the vessel to maintain precise position without anchoring. AIS and machinery monitoring systems from Siemens provide enhanced safety and operational control.

Technical details:

• Dynamic positioning (DP): Kongsberg K-POS (DP1)
• Bow thruster: Brunvoll, 600 kW tunnel
• Stern thruster: Brunvoll, 600 kW tunnel
• Retractable azimuth thruster (forward): Brunvoll, 860 kW

The vessel has a redundant communication system with satellite connectivity via Starlink and dual VSAT (Ku-band), complemented by dual 4G and shore-connected WiFi when in port. This ensures stable and secure connectivity even during extended offshore expeditions.

Svea is equipped for advanced sampling operations. The vessel features several motion-compensated winches (Scantrol) for oceanographic surveys, high-capacity winches for trawling, and a range of cranes and an A-frame for safe handling of heavy equipment. The working deck allows for flexible deployment of containers and towed systems, with space for up to three 20-foot containers.

Technical details

Oceanography

• Motion-compensated winches with steel-armoured cable (ø11.5 mm) including optical fiber and two conductors:
  - CTD winch: 1,500 m, SWL (Safe Working Load) 15 kN
  - Multipurpose winch: 3,000 m, SWL 30 kN
  - Winch for towed vehicle with fishery echosounder (forward ROTV)
• Hydrographic winch: 1,500 m, ø6 mm stainless steel wire, SWL 15 kN
• Multipurpose winch: 1,500 m, ø16 mm synthetic line, SWL 120 kN
• Portable deck winch: 300 m, ø30 mm synthetic line, SWL 30 kN

Fisheries

• 2 × trawl winches: 2,500 m, ø26 mm, SWL 290 kN
• 2 × trawl drums: 2 × 10.4 m³, SWL 170 kN
• Winch: 100 m, ø20 mm, SWL 10 kN
• Trawl sonar winch: 3,500 m, ø11 mm, SWL 15 kN
• 2 × trawl door winches: 600 m, ø28 mm, SWL 25 kN

Deck cranes and frames (Triplex):

• 6.0 t / 12 m knuckle-boom crane with net roller, starboard side
• 2.0 t / 13.5 m knuckle-boom crane, port side
• 2.0 t / 12 m knuckle-boom crane, foredeck
• A-frame aft: SWL 8 t
• Telescopic crane, starboard side: SWL 1.5 t
• CTD davit inside CTD hangar: SWL 1.5 t

Svea is designed to minimize environmental impact. The vessel is powered by renewable HVO diesel and equipped with particulate filters and catalytic exhaust gas cleaning. It meets the ICES 209 standard for low underwater radiated noise. Ballast water, wastewater, and chemicals are managed in accordance with strict environmental standards. When in port, Svea connects to shore power and district heating.