The national research vessel – ‘Bat Galim’
The Israel Oceanographic & Limnological Research (IOLR) operates the R/V Bat-Galim, a world-class marine research vessel. Built by Lürssen Werft in 1990 and converted by the Israel Naval Shipyard in 2015, the R/V Bat-Galim is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support a wide range of oceanographic research activities.
The ship is fitted with advanced sub-bottom profiling and multibeam echosounder equipment for seabed mapping, while its dynamic positioning system allows for precise maneuvering during operations involving remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Two cranes and an A-frame support the deployment of scientific instruments and sampling gear.
Specifications and Capabilities
- Deep and shallow multibeam echosounder surveys
- Single and multichannel seismic surveys
- CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth) measurements
- ROV and AUV operations
- Piston coring and box coring
- Instrument towing
Laboratories
The ship houses both wet and dry laboratory spaces, offering flexible configurations for various scientific activities, including ROV and AUV operations.
- Dry Lab: 15 m²
- Wet Lab: 18 m²
Additionally, containerized laboratories can be brought on board to meet specific research needs. The ship’s scientific storage facilities include refrigerated and frozen sample storage areas.
Working Decks
The R/V Bat-Galim has a free deck area of 120 m², designed for versatility and accommodating different research equipment. The deck can support up to 40 tons of cargo.
For more details see: RVBG_specs_2025
