P&O Maritime Services wins new contract to operate UK government marine research vessel

CEFAS is the United Kingdom's (UK) government marine science agency. The new contract runs for six years with an option for extension and is a major success for the export of P&O Maritime Services' Australian marine science and research services support model.

P&O Maritime Services won the contract through participation in an international tender process and evaluation that included several of Europe's leading operators in this field.

P&O Maritime Services' Managing Director, Andrew King, said, "We set out last year to expand our business in Europe and this is an exciting opportunity to work in partnership with England's leading marine research organisation. We are looking forward to further developing the skilled team that will join us, and to providing support capability to CEFAS."

CEFAS Chief Executive, Dr Richard Judge said, "We are pleased to have reached agreement with P&O Maritime Services. The contract means that we will continue to enjoy high quality vessel and services management, important contingency support and flexibility that enables us to optimise the vessel's use."

P&O Maritime Services, based in Melbourne, Australia, is an experienced provider of maritime solutions tailored to customers' specific requirements.

In Europe, P&O Maritime Services currently operates two research vessels for the Marine Institute in Ireland and owns and operates the resupply vessel, l'Astrolabe, for Institut Paul Emile Victor (IPEV), an Antarctic research operation run by the French Government.

P&O Maritime Services' Government Shipping Services business unit has a high level of expertise in the specialised fields of Antarctic operations, marine science and research, and border protection.

Clients include a number of international government agencies. Vessels managed and operated through this business unit include Australia's Antarctic flagship, the Aurora Australis, four marine science and research vessels based in Australia and Europe and a vessel that plays a key role in the Australian Federal Government's border and fisheries patrols.