noun
research vessel; research ship
A ship equipped for scientific research at sea, such as oceanographic surveys or marine biology studies.
海洋調査船が深海の生物を調べている。
The oceanographic research vessel is investigating deep-sea organisms.
新しい調査船が来月進水する予定だ。
The new research ship is scheduled to be launched next month.
Compound of 調査 (research, investigation) and 船 (ship, vessel).