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| The marine research vessel ‘Janan |
The vessel was escorted into port by a small fleet of boats from Qatar’s Coast Guard. A group of QU leaders attended the reception ceremony.
QU president Prof Sheikha Abdulla al-Misnad, vice president for research Dr Hassan al-Derham, vice president for institutional planning and development Saif Alsowaidi, Environmental Studies Centre (ESC) director Dr Mohsin al-Ansi were among them.
The event was also attended by the Director of Coasts and Border Security Department Brigadier Ali Ahmad Saif al-Bedaid al-Mannai, and several officers from the Ministry of Interior. Janan is named after the island located in the western part of Qatar. The vessel is for use by QU’s ESC to advance marine environmental studies and research in Qatar and the Gulf region.
It is a donation presented to QU by HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, who is also the chairperson of QU Board of Regents, to replace the outgoing vessel ‘Mukhtabar Al-Bihar.’
‘Janan’ was built in the Vigo shipyard of reire, the world-famous manufacturer of scientific research vessels in co-operation with Qatari experts and in compliance with Qatar’s environmental conditions.
The vessel has an overall length of 42.8m, breadth of 10m, gross registered tonnage of more than 600 tonnes, maximum draught of 3.7m which will allow it to reach the shallowest areas of the Arabian Gulf, normal cruising speed of 12.5 knots and maximum speed of 14 knots.
The vessel can sail for 21 days, and accommodate a total of 30 technical and scientific staff. It is equipped with two main engines, allowing it to work near oil and gas platforms, has the ability to function on generators without relying on the major engines, and contains an advanced de-positioning system to stabilise the vessel using satellites.
It has five sophisticated research laboratories, and electrical generators. Facilities also include an environment-friendly sewage treatment unit, water desalination plant, an emergency room, and a diving room.
