![ba0de4516e0eb74cc70e755ba1f8371d](http://media.assettype.com/bairdmaritime%2Fimport%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fmedia%2Fk2%2Fitems%2Fsrc%2Fba0de4516e0eb74cc70e755ba1f8371d.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
Work is well under way on the major refit of research ship Aranda at the Rauma Marine Constructions yard in Finland.
Built in 1989, the Syke (Finnish centre for environmental research) vessel has carried out extensive oceanographic research work in Baltic and international waters.
The vessel arrived in August for work that includes lengthening and upgrading the propulsion system.
A new seven-metre-long section is being fitted into the hull and the stern will also be extended.
The extension will add 50 square metres to the aft working deck and also provide additional laboratory and research facilities in the hull.
The work, which is expected to future-proof Aranda until 2030, is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2018.