STX Finland Rauma Shipyard delivered a polar supply and research vessel to the South African government’s Department of Environmental Affairs on April 4th.
The vessel named S.A. Agulhas II is a multipurpose vessel, and can operate as a supply, research and passenger vessel, as well as an icebreaker, according to MarineLink.com.
The flag-changing ceremony was witnessed by many, among which were the representatives from the client, the South African Government’s Department of Environmental Affairs, as well as the Embassy of South-Africa in Finland, The South African Maritime Authority, classification society Det Norske Veritas, STX Finland and the press.
Toivo Ilvonen, the Director of STX Rauma Shipyard , said:” We are proud to deliver this multipurpose vessel to the client. The project has offered valuable experience and expertise in the design and building of demanding polar research and supply vessels to the personnel of STX Rauma shipyard and all our partners involved in the project ”.
The ice-strengthened vessel can accommodate a crew of 45 and about 100 passengers. It is approximately 134 metres long, capable of carrying out marine and geological sea floor research, and keeps continuous record of meteorological data for weather services.
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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, April 5, 2012; Image: saagulhasii