ABU DHABI (WAM)
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced that for the first time in the Middle East its most advanced marine research vessel ‘Jaywun’ has won the Work Boat World Award for Best Large Research Vessel for 2023 from Baird Maritime - one of the world's premier maritime publishing houses.
The Work Boat World Best Vessel awards are given to companies that have commissioned, designed or built the best vessel for a particular category.
Each participant was reviewed during 2023 and the winner was then judged on the design, build and functionality of the vessel. Winners were also selected on the basis of a combination of quality, innovation, reliability, utility, economy, sustainability and style.
Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD said: “For Jaywun to be recognised in a country as far as Australia as the Best Large Research Vessel for 2023 by Baird Maritime confirms that our efforts and reputation have reached beyond the borders of the UAE. It is a big win for Abu Dhabi and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. After a rigorous review process of Jaywun for this award, for the first time in the Middle East it was selected as the winner from a long list of vessels from across the globe. This affirms the vessel’s leadership position and that it truly is the most advanced marine research vessel in the region due its innovative technological attributes and progressive equipment which make it unique.”
He added: “As a scientific body with decades of experience we are always keen to share our expertise and we would like to be known as a leader in oceanography and marine research and by receiving this accolade we are on the fast track to achieving this goal.”
Neil Baird, Founder of Baird Maritime stated that the reason why Jaywun was selected. He said: “The impressively well-equipped and very versatile Jaywun has been impeccably built to serve the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi for many years. With a hydrodynamically excellent design, the ship is both economical and long-ranging. The ship is also very quiet, so she is perfect for her various oceanic research roles.”
He added: “The vessel is designed to operate locally, regionally and internationally and in the harshest weather and situations. It is also perfect for the hot, saline and shallow waters of the Arabian Gulf and the deeper oceanic sea in the Gulf of Oman. Her equipment is sufficiently extensive as to permit and enhance every aspect of oceanographic research. All those assets have been encapsulated in an attractive and purposeful looking research ship.”