A ROYAL Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ship which has James Bond style facilities in order to accommodate underwater vehicles is the latest vessel to berth at Fairlie Quay.

RFA Proteus acts as a platform for remotely operated underwater vehicles, as well as being a testbed for new specialist capabilities, required for monitoring waters important to UK interests.

The vessel was acquired by the Ministry of Defence in February 2023 for £70 million, with the official title of ‘multi-role ocean surveillance ship.

The ship has an opening moon pool which allows underwater vehicles to enter into or leave the water easily within a protected environment.

It is also equipped with a 120-tonne crane as well as a hangar and workshops capable of accommodating remotely operated and other unmanned underwater vehicles.

The crane has a 3,000m long wire which allows objects to be directly lowered to the seabed.

RFA Proteus is also equipped with a flight deck and has a gross tonnage of 6,133 and a length of 321ft, 10in.

RFA Proteus at Fairlie Quay this eveningRFA Proteus at Fairlie Quay this evening (Image: Newsquest)

The ship also has accommodation on board and comprises 53 cabins with 82 bunks, which are split across twenty-four single cabins and twenty-nine double cabins.

There is also a single cafeteria and several mess and lounge spaces for the crew to spend their leisure time.