WBS Begins Construction of New Research Vessel

Western Baltija Shipbuilding (WBS) has officially started the construction of a new research vessel ordered by MEST Shipyard for the Faroe Marine Research Institute.

WBS signed a contract with MEST Shipyard for the building and partial fitting out of the hull of the research vessel, which is 54 meters long and 13.7 meters wide, in February 2018.

The project is scheduled for completion before the summer of 2019. It is planned to use approximately 800 tons of steel for the building of the hull of the research vessel and approximately 40 tons of aluminium will be used for the building of the superstructure. In addition, the piping and other equipment, such as motors, generators, and steering gears, will be installed, the company noted.

MEST Shipyard CEO Mouritz Mohr said: “We celebrate the keel-laying of research vessel that will help explore oceans and preserve fish stocks for future generations – for our children and grandchildren. Every citizen of the Faroe Islands follows the vessel construction process. This project is of key importance to everyone – both the population and Government representatives.”

The vessel built under the commission of the Faroe Islands Government will be used for fishery and research works at sea. It will meet Silent-R noise requirements, and it will have to conform to Class C Ice criteria.

The hull built in Klaipėda will be transported to the Faroe Islands where MEST Shipyard will finalize the work with accommodation, machinery, piping, electrical and cable work, deck machinery, and final painting work.

The ship is scheduled for completion in 2020.