#marinescience - The Welsh Government should do "everything they can" to save a research ship used by Bangor University and utilise it as a National Research Vessel for Wales, according to Ynys Môn Assembly Member Rhun ap Iorwerth.

As the North Wales Chronicle writes there is an agreement in place between Bangor University and P&O, who own the Prince Madog ship, regarding the future of the vessel until 2021. However, what future it has beyond that time is unclear at present.

This uncertainty has led to Mr ap Iorwerth proposing the vessel be adopted as Wales’ National Research Vessel following the conclusion of the current agreement.

The Plaid Cymru AM led a short debate in the Assembly in Cardiff on the future of the research vessel last year, with Welsh Government officials having recently met with Bangor University and P&O as a result.

Talks regarding the future of the vessel had proved productive, only for Welsh Government procurement rules to prevent further progress.

To read more including a question raised by Rhun ap Iorwerth.in the Welsh Assembly Chamber read here.

Afloat adds the article refers to P&O, this is in fact P&O Maritime, a solutions provider to governments, businesses and organisations across the world. Among its global network of offices is an Irish base located in Galway.

Last year P&O Maritime Ireland was awarded a 7 year contract from the Marine Institute of Rinville, Oranmore in Co. Galway, to provide operational, management and technical support for the operation of the RV Celtic Voyager and the larger RV Celtic Explorer.

In addition the contract includes the deep-water Remotely Operated Vehicle Holland 1 together with management and technical support to related research and development programmes.