This vessel has been designed to meet specific Owner’s (NIOMR) requirements and combines the features of the modern research vessel and specialized fishing vessel, which represents a unique solution in the global scale. The vessel built by Stocznia WISŁA, in stern trawler and side beams configuration, is specially designed for performing both deep sea demersal as well as pelagic catches and equipped with numerous devices enabling the performance of marine and oceanographic research works in tropical waters.

Bayagbona is equipped with the latest research apparatus for hydrographic surveys and ocean resources studies, including modern echosounding and sampling equipment, as well as with on-board fully equipped research laboratories. The hull is all-welded damage proof, steel structure. The equipment includes the so-called "dry" and "wet" laboratories. The vessel enables also the possibility of training for the fishing crews.

Additionally, the MFV36, 30 is equipped with professional fishing, fish processing and freezing equipment, as well as refrigerated hold, meeting all the European and international standards. This gives the opportunity to use the ship as a commercial fishing vessel in between the research trips, generating for the Owners the additional income to cover the vessels exploitation expenses.

The MFV36,30 is the first brand new research vessel unit in the history of the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research. To underline its prestigious character the Honorable Federal Minister of Transport has given the ship the name of the Institute’s founder and first director: BAYAGBONA.

The vessel is expected to develop Nigerian marine and fisheries economy, thus the high importance of the newest acquisition in Nigeria’s fishery research fleet was reflected in high profile ceremony attended by representatives of government and local authorities both from Nigeria and Poland.

The vessel was christened by Mrs. Patience Jonathan, wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan. The Nigeria’s first lady was accompanied by strong representation of Nigerian governmental and business circles, just to mention Nigerian Ambassador to Poland, Dr. Samuel Jimba and the Nigerian Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, dr. Akinwumi Adesina. The ceremony was also honored by representatives of Polish central and regional government, including the Pomeranian Voivodeship marshal Mieczysław Struk.

Mrs. Jonathan admitted that, acquisition of the deep-sea fishing research and training vessel, named Bayagbona after the first Executive Director of the Nigerian Institute of oceanography and Marine Research, will undoubtedly enhance the exploration opportunities of the country’s fish resources.

Bayagbona was awarded by Polish organization “Forum Okrętowe” and was chosen as the most modern ship - built by Polish shipping industry.