The 28m length vessel, which has an endurance capability of ten days at sea in all weather conditions, is equipped with a full range of hull mounted survey sensors in addition to two large laboratories and accommodation for up to twelve personnel. According to Cliff Whatrup, marketing manager for Gardline's hydrographic survey and seabed mapping division, the vessel will strengthen the company's role in site investigations and seabed mapping surveys in support of an extensive range of offshore applications in all water depths.

Prior to acquisition for an undisclosed sum, Confidante had been primarily engaged in re-surveying mobile sea terrains around UK coastlines as part of the MCA's civil hydrography programme. This is Gardline's second most recent vessel acquisition following purchase last year of RV Triton, the world's largest motor powered trimaran, from QinetiQ.