UMT building RM12m research ship

KUALA TERENGGANU: Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) will be the first local university to have a research and training ship when its vessel named RV Discovery is completed in April next year.

Prof Dr Aziz: It will provide exposure and training to students.

Its vice-chancellor Prof Dr Aziz Deraman said the ship, costing RM12mil, would have dry and wet laboratories and make UMT the top Malaysian university in oceanography studies.
“Construction began in September last year and is 80% completed. With the vessel, UMT will be able to conduct extensive research across the seas.
“It will provide exposure and training to students taking up Maritime Science, Marine Biology, Nautical Science, Maritime Transportation and Maritime Technology,” he said.
Prof Aziz said this to reporters at the handing-over of a model of the RV Discovery here recently.
Kay Marine Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Wan Mohd Albakri Wan Md Noor also present.

Diversity of creatures: UMT researchers at Pulau Bidong checking on marine life. — File photo

Prof Aziz said the 35m vessel being built by Kay Marine could travel 4,500 nautical miles over three weeks at a time.
Fitted with scientific equipment, the vessel will conduct research involving seaweed and marine organisms, among others.

On-site training: File photo of a UMT student collecting data in waters off Pulau Bidong.

“We are planning scientific expeditions in the South China Sea to collect data. In the long term, we want to establish research co-operation with local and international agencies, especially in regard to the South China Sea,” Aziz said.
UMT currently has nine boats for research purposes in Tasik Kenyir, Pulau Kapas, Pulau Redang and Pulau Bidong. — Bernama