The government-funded ship will replace the RV Cefas Endeavour and will be operational by 2032, supporting critical marine research for decades to come.

It will be delivered by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), which operates from its main laboratories in Lowestoft and Weymouth.

The new 85-metre research vessel is to be built in UK shipyards, creating new jobs in the shipbuilding sector as the Government commits up to £115 million as part of its drive to reindustrialise the UK.

Tim Green, chief executive of Cefas, said: "This once-in-a-generation investment is a significant moment........

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