MacGregor to deliver cranes, handling equipment and deck machinery to four research vessels

MacGregor has secured significant orders to deliver advanced deck cranes, handling equipment, and deck machinery for four new oceanographic research vessels. The orders were booked into MacGregor’s second and third quarter 2026 order intake, with equipment deliveries starting in 2027 and scheduled to complete by the third quarter of 2029 at the latest. 



Two of the vessels will be built at the GONDAN Shipbuilders in Spain for the German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH). The remaining two will be constructed at Titagarh Naval Systems Limited in India for the Geological Survey of India (GSI).



MacGregor's success in securing these contracts is a direct result of its extensive expertise and proven track record from previous deliveries. Close cooperation with the shipyards and designers throughout the developmental phases of these projects has further proven that MacGregor is a trusted, long-term partner capable of delivering high-performance solutions for complex maritime missions.



The scope of supply for the four vessels includes CTD single line winches, wire winches, oceanographic winches, corer winches, survey boat davits, CTD davits, deck cranes, stern A-frames, ROV telescope booms, and corer handling systems with corer cradle.



“In MacGregor, we have found an experienced manufacturer and supplier of scientific hoists and winches,” says Kai Twest, Head of Shipping Company, BSH. “This ensures a consistent operating philosophy on the new vessels. Furthermore, the systems are characterised by their robustness and trouble-free operation.”

“MacGregor has a good reputation as a marine scientific solution provider with positive feedback from existing users, so collaboration with MacGregor will help GSI meet its scientific objectives for these new CRV Vessels,” says Geological Survey of India.

“Research vessels are central to oceanographic research, providing vital data for fields like climate science and marine biology,” says Tomas Hakala, Executive Vice President, Global Services at MacGregor. “We are happy to see the trust placed in us to deliver this crucial equipment for the success of future operations by both BSH and GSI.”