UK: P&O Maritime Services Announces JV with Bangor University – Prince Madog Research Vessel

P&O Maritime Services has acquired a 50% shareholding in a UK incorporated joint venture with the School of Ocean Sciences at Bangor University.

Through this venture, known as P&O Maritime Ocean Sciences (POMOS), P&O Maritime Services has joint ownership of the Research Vessel Prince Madog and will charter the vessel to the University, Government and Industry.

The Prince Madog is a modern state-of-the art scientific research vessel, which is operated out ofMenaiBridge, North Wales. The 35 metre vessel is specifically designed to provide a 24 hour, year round, operating capability. She is purpose built for providing a range of scientific and survey services including; geotechnical, geophysical, hydrographic and environmental services. The Prince Madog is also ideally suited to support a wide range of activities in the UK’s rapidly growing Offshore Renewables industry.

Built by Visser Den Helder in the Netherlands in 2001, the Prince Madog is well equipped with versatile wet and dry laboratories and a large aft deck; which is serviced by cranes and a large A-frame to facilitate the handling of heavy equipment. She can comfortably accommodate 7 crew and 11 scientists. In addition, BangorUniversitycan provide internationally recognised scientific expertise and technical support services.

Alan Rowan, General Manager, P&O Maritime Services Europe, said “The Prince Madog is a welcome addition to our P&O Maritime Services’ European science vessel fleet,which consolidates our position within this market. We look forward to a very successful partnership with the BangorUniversity and to exceeding our clients’ expectations for scientific and survey services.”

About P&O Maritime Services Europe

P&O Maritime Services is a diversified specialist shipping and marine logistics solution provider with extensive experience in the provision of niche shipping solutions to Government and Industry research; including marine science, border and fisheries protection and Defence small vessel fleet management. Furthermore, P&O Maritime Services Europehas recently entered the Offshore Renewables market and offers support to wind farm operations including; survey, construction, cable laying, inspection and maintenance.

P&O Maritime Services is headquartered in Australia and has been operating in the maritime industry since the 1960s. Additionalglobal operations are located in Ireland, UK, France, Dubai, Papua New Guinea, Singapore and South America.

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Source:P&O , January  17, 2011;