The research to be carried out is of national interest as it includes the ecological impact of human activity on marine habitats, assessment of damage to the seabed caused by trawlers, and the provision of data for management of fishing stocks.

AORA is of a design by Macduff Ship Design Limited and the complete vessel was built at Macduff facilities, with the steel being prepared and cut by their Profiling Division.

Only the electrical work was sub-contracted, to R D Downie of Fraserburgh.

Twin Mitsubishi S6MPTA main engines rated 350hp each at 1,600rpm drive four bladed fixed pitch propellers through Reintjes WAF 1641 gearboxes to provide a speed of 10.5 knots. Two Mitsubishi 6D22T auxiliary engines and a smaller Mitsubishi S45 SDT harbour auxiliary complete the power package.

The vessel is comprehensively equipped to perform single and twin rig trawling, beam/dredge towing, water sampling, acoustic survey and TV work. For these duties, it is provided with a full complement of winches, cranes, CTD and data processing equipment as well as the latest navigation and communication marine electronics.

AORA is classed MCA Area Category 1 (Brown Code), normal operation in MCA Area Category 2. The vessel will accommodate a crew of 5 and up to 12 others, with sleeping facilities for 9.

MJ Information No: 18311