It is also participating in the successor programme, INFORMAR (Integrated Mapping for the Sustainable Development of Ireland's Marine Resource), for which it is presently carrying out harbour development, dredging and site investigations in Dundalk Bay on behalf of the Irish Marine Institute. Major hydrographic and oceanographic studies at Messaieed Port, Qatar are among several overseas undertakings.

One of the first developments following acquisition by Gardline, says chairman Brian Geoghegan, will be joint establishment of a new training centre in Rossaveal, Co Galway. Initial programmes are scheduled to start in September with residential courses on technical, safety and broader management skills for new recruits as well as existing employees.

Gardline Marine Sciences, which maintains offices in the UK, USA, Australia and South East Asia in addition to a fleet of 11 multi-role hydrographic vessels, is the world's largest independently owned survey group. An associate subsidiary, Gardline Environmental, is currently set to launch a new multi-disciplinary catamaran, Meriel D, which will be used for wind farm servicing markets.