Pollution Control

Lithuanian port christens DSV Naras

Baird Maritime

Klaipeda State Seaport Authority's new oil response and diving support vessel Naras has been christened in Lithuania.

Built in Estonia at Baltic Workboats, the 23.2-metre by 6.0-metre vessel has a maximum draught of 1.5 metres and a top speed of 11.5 knots.

Equipped with a crane for the removal of bottom obstacles, the €2.8 million (US$3.4 million) vessel has a diving operation management room and pressure chamber, allowing divers to safely perform work in waters up to 50 metres deep.

KSSA Director General Arvydas Vaitkus said Naras started work at the port in December and had been performing subsea technical works and supervision in the seaport and access areas.

Crewed by a captain, engineer and a motorman to oversee three divers, the vessel can also respond to oil spills and collect surface garbage.

The introduction of Naras brings the KSSA fleet to seven, including two diving support vessels, three pilot boats, a hydrographical vessel and a rescue boat.