New MENAS ship launched sucessfully

Preparation to tow the 82 metre long RELUME from Galatz Shipyard to the Netherlands commenced immediately. Much of the heavy machinery and electrical components had been fitted on board during building in Romania, to avoid steel cutting and re-working at Royal Schelde shipyard.

The ship was towed through the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Bay of Biscay to Damen's Royal Schelde Shipyard in Vlissingen, Netherlands where she arrived on 31st January 2004. Following her arrival, teams of specialists are being deployed on board for electrical, mechanical and electronic engineering, as well as ventilation, painting and joinery work. Upon completion of outfitting and commissioning, MENAS expect to take delivery in August 2004.

MENAS' new ship will be equipped for oil spill response, with dispersant, clean up and recovery capabilities. It will also have high-resolution sonar scanning equipment for hydrographic survey and sea bottom investigation missions.

"Relume's oil spill response capabilities have the potential to make a valuable contribution to the protection of the Gulf's marine environment. The Gulf is an important natural resource and its condition is under increasing scrutiny from both national governments and international agencies," explained Stephen Cribb, General Manager, MENAS Bahrain.

"With the introduction of the 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," he added.