Four years on, RV Tom Crean continues to power Ireland’s ambitions for ocean science and sustainability

Four years after arriving in Ireland, the Marine Institute's research vessel Tom Crean continues to play a vital role in understanding and sustainably managing Ireland's ocean. The RV Tom Crean generates the data that underpins fish stock assessment surveys and critical ocean climate studies, as well as the appropriate designation and location of Maritime Protected Areas (MPAs) and Offshore Renewable Energy developments. 

Since entering service in July 2022, the state-of-the-art vessel has become one of Ireland's most important scientific assets. Over the last year alone, Tom Crean spent 281 days at sea, completed 31 scientific surveys, and travelled 31,323 nautical miles, the equivalent of circling Ireland almost 45 times.

The RV Tom Crean is the primary offshore vessel used by Ireland’s seabed mapping programme, INFOMAR, collecting high-resolution marine data that informs environmental management, scientific research and evidence-based decision-making across Ireland's maritime area. The vessel will continue to play a central role in the INFOMAR programme for a further three years (2027-2029).

Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, said: “With its state-of-the-art capabilities and the expertise of its dedicated crew and scientists, the RV Tom Crean enables Ireland to carry out world-class research, deepening our understanding of the ocean and providing the critical knowledge needed to sustainably manage our valuable marine resource. As Ireland advances its marine protection, climate, and renewable energy ambitions alongside existing uses of our marine resources, the information gathered at sea is more important than ever.” 

The RV Tom Crean, together with its sister vessel RV Celtic Explorer, are the backbone of Ireland's national marine research infrastructure. The vessels provide the evidence base needed to support sustainable economic development while safeguarding the marine environment. Together Ireland’s Research Vessels provide the data and insights required to:
•    Support sustainable fisheries and ocean ecosystems,
•    Inform national marine spatial planning decisions,
•    Protect and restore marine biodiversity through MPAs,
•    Advance climate research and ocean observation, and,
•    Enable the delivery of offshore renewable energy.

Beyond research, Tom Crean is helping to develop the next generation of marine scientists. During the past year, the vessel supported training opportunities for 285 students from Irish educational institutions, providing hands-on experience in marine science and ocean research.

The vessels also play an important public engagement role, acting as ambassadors for marine science and research. In the past year, they have featured prominently at major events including European Maritime Day 2025, the Fair Seas Conference, and will support upcoming events associated with Ireland's EU Presidency, including the informal meeting of European Fisheries Ministers in Cork on 29 July.

As Ireland accelerates the transition to a low-carbon future and expands its network of Marine Protected Areas, Tom Crean will remain at the heart of a science-led approach to sustainably manage the existing and emerging use of ocean resources for future generations.

Track the location of the Marine Institute’s research vessels on marine.ie. For updates on the research surveys facilitated by Ireland’s marine research vessels follow the Marine Institute’s Scientist@Sea blog, @MarineInstitute on Facebook, @MarineInstituteIreland on Instagram, and @MarineInstitute on LinkedIn.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Kathleen Sweeney  e: kathleen.sweeney@marine.ie | m: +353 (0)87 094 5754

Sinéad Coyne  e: sinead.coyne@marine.ie | m: +353 (0)87 947 7090

Communications Office, Marine Institute  e: communications@marine.ie | t: +353 (0)91 387 200

RV Tom Crean 
Named after the legendary Kerry explorer Tom Crean, the vessel arrived in Galway Harbour on 18 July 2022 and was officially commissioned in Dingle Harbour on 6 October 2022. The 52.8-metre vessel can accommodate up to 26 personnel and is designed to operate in the challenging conditions of the North Atlantic for up to 21 days at a time. As a low-noise research vessel, Tom Crean reduces underwater disturbance to marine life during scientific operations. Its design also incorporates advanced technologies that minimise fuel consumption and environmental impact while maximising operational efficiency.

Marine Institute
The Marine Institute is Ireland’s scientific agency responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the State’s maritime area and resources. The Institute conducts applied research and provides scientific knowledge, advice and services to government, industry and other stakeholders and users. www.marine.ie

INFOMAR
The INFOMAR (Integrated Mapping for the Sustainable Development of Ireland’s Marine Resource) programme was established in 2006 and is currently one of the world’s largest and leading seabed mapping programmes. Funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, INFOMAR is jointly delivered by the Geological Survey Ireland and the Marine Institute. INFOMAR aims to map Ireland’s entire seabed and deliver a comprehensive baseline bathymetry dataset to underpin the future management of Ireland’s marine resources.