Much of the heavy machinery and electrical components were fitted on board Relume in Romania to avoid steel cutting and re-working at Royal Schelde. Upon arrival at Vlisingen, teams of specialists set about electrical, mechanical and electronic engineering as well as ventilation, painting and joinery work.

MENAS' new ship will be equipped for oil spill response, with dispersant, recovery and clean-up capabilities. Built with versatility in mind, it will also have high resolution sonar scanning equipment for hydrographic survey and sea bottom investigations.

'The Gulf is an important natural resource and its condition is under increasing scrutiny from both national governments and international agencies, ' said Stephen Cribb, general manager of MENAS Bahrain.

'With the introduction of this new ship and its expanded facilities, MENAS will be re-positioned as a broad based service to the maritime community, capable of further protecting the marine ecosystem of the Gulf.'

MJ Information No: 19201