Although the paramount responsibility of the new Relume will be, like that of its predecessors, the provision and maintenance of aids to navigation in the international waters of the Arabian Gulf, the new 82m long vessel will offer a wide range of related services that neither of the two earlier vessels could perform.

The new Relume has been provided with the following capabilities:

1 Oil spill response and cleanup facilities, backed by accommodation and other onboard arrangements for training personnel from the Gulf region in oil spill response activities;

2 Advanced sonar equipment to enable hydrographic surveying;

3 An IMO Class 2 Dynamic Positioning System to facilitate functions such as remote-operated vehicle (ROV) operations and geophysical surveys;

4 Multiple electrical power points and a 25-tonne crane to enhance the ship's role as a multipurpose field support vessel;

5 Deck space enough for the carriage of up to twelve 20ft standard containers, 10 of which may be refrigerated; and 6 A 40-tonne towing winch, the central feature of the ship's towage and salvage capabilities.

The 3,529gt Relume is powered by two Rolls Royce Aquamaster azimuth units of 1,500kW each.

Additional manoeuvring capability is provided by two Rolls Royce Kamewa bow tunnel thruster units of 515kW each. The Bahamas-flag vessel has a service speed of 13 knots and is classed with Lloyd's Register of Shipping as +100A1, UMS, DP(AA), NAV-IBS, Light Tender Occasional Oil Recovery Duties.

MENAS is the leading aids to navigation service provider in the Arabian Gulf and has played a major role in maintaining the safety of shipping and preserving the environment the marine environment in the region.

MENAS owns and maintains an extensive network of buoys, lighthouses and DGPS transmitters.

MENAS equipment and services are relied upon by over 2,000 vessels each month.

The independent, not for profit organisation is registered in the UK and has a liaison office in London. Its centre of operations is located in Bahrain at a base staffed by 54 administrative, engineering and seafaring staff.

MJ Information No: 19604