Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS) was awarded a two-year project to build and equip a technologically advanced light tender to install and service aids to navigation in the Gulf from its base in Bahrain. MENAS has concluded the contract with Dutch shipbuilders Damen, who are to build the ship at a cost of €29 million ($28.25 million).
When completed in May 2004, the new vessel, which will replace the current ship Relume, will be used by MENAS to provide a service essential for the safety of shipping and the protection of the marine environment in the busy waters of the Gulf.
Shipping in the Gulf relies on aids to navigation provided and maintained by MENAS from the coast of Oman to the northern end of the Gulf. These comprise more than 500 conventional aids, including buoys and lighthouses, as well as a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) from four land-based radio transmitters.
The new light tender will be approximately 82 meters in length and will have a diesel-electric propulsion system. It will be equipped with a dynamic positioning system to enable precise positional stability and with oil spill recovery and dispersal capabilities that will contribute to environmental protection resources in the region.
Construction of the vessel is to take place at Damen’s yards in Galati, Romania and Vlissingen in the Netherlands, with delivery scheduled for May 2004. Three Quays Marine Services of London will be providing MENAS with consultancy and owner’s supervision services during the project.
MENAS is an independent, not-for-profit organization that has been active for over 50 years in providing for and promoting safe navigation in the Gulf. Over 2000 vessels use its busy channels each month.
Damen is an international shipbuilding and repair company, headquartered in Holland, with construction yards worldwide. The yard has a strong affiliation with the Middle East region, having delivered more than 600 vessels to various oil companies, port authorities and offshore contractors over the past 30 years. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
