Exciting news for ocean science and maritime innovation! Spanish shipbuilder Freire Shipyard has officially launched the state-of-the-art French oceanographic research vessel Anita Conti. This remarkable vessel is named after the legendary French oceanographer Anita Conti (1899–1997), who was known as “la dame de la mer” — the lady of the sea — and France’s first professional female oceanographer.
The new Anita Conti will be operated by IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea), one of Europe’s leading marine research institutions. Her main mission is to strengthen France’s capabilities in marine research, sustainable fisheries management, and climate monitoring in the Bay of Biscay and other European waters.
With a length of around 40 meters, this vessel is equipped with the latest hydroacoustic technology, laboratories for biological and environmental research, high-tech winches, and sampling equipment that will allow scientists to study fish stocks, marine biodiversity, and ocean conditions with greater accuracy than ever before.
The Anita Conti also represents an important step towards more sustainable and responsible maritime operations. The vessel’s design emphasizes low noise emissions to reduce disturbance to marine life and features efficient energy systems for minimal environmental impact — a fitting tribute to the legacy of Anita Conti herself, who devoted her life to researching sustainable fisheries and raising awareness about the health of our seas.
This launch is yet another milestone for Freire Shipyard, which has become internationally known for building highly specialized research and exploration vessels. For France, the vessel will help maintain its leadership in ocean sciences, supporting EU and global efforts to protect and sustainably use our oceans.
Interesting fact:
Anita Conti was not only a pioneering scientist but also an adventurer and author — she sailed on fishing trawlers for years to document marine life, created early fish stock maps and fought for sustainable fishing practices long before it became mainstream. Her inspiring legacy lives on through every research mile that Anita Conti will cover at sea.
