On 25 August 2011 STX Finland Oy's Rauma Shipyard started the production of an innovative fisheries reseach vessel ordered by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources of the Republic of Namibia. NB 1378 will be delivered during the summer of 2012. The vessel will be approximately 62 mlong and give some 250 man-years of labour to the shipyard.
The production start-up was attended by representatives of the Republic of Namibia, STX Finland Oy and classification society Bureau Veritas.
The ship is a versatile and modern research vessel designed for Namibian fisheries research, and it meets the latest standardised performance criteria. Ensuring that the vessel meets these criteria requires careful design of the research systems, propulsion and power generation system. The vessel will provide accommodation for 44 crew members and research personnel.
The vessel represents high technical level, and special attention has been given to the vessel's serviceability and low maintenance costs. In addition to monitoring fish stock, the vessel will also be used for collecting biological samples for onboard research and analysis. The vessel also features facilities for meteorological research and it can provide assistance for control of fishing.
"This technically demanding vessel is very important for the Rauma Shipyard, and it strengthens STX Finland's status as a builder of advanced specialised vessels. The design stage of the ship has further increased the shipyard's knowhow within this vessel segment, and we have been able to continue and add to the experience gained from the arctic research and service vessel ordered by the South African Department of Environmental Affairs. The construction of this ship will proceed fast and the ship's keel will be laid before Christmas", says Timo Suistio, COO of STX Finland Oy and director of Rauma Shipyard.