Tactical Marine Solutions has signed a contract with the University of Victoria to manage a research ship.

The Tsekoa II, which was previously deployed with the Canadian Coast Guard, will be refurbished to service the Victoria experimental network of underwater observatories in the Georgia Strait, Canada.

The 87ft-long ship will be expanded to accommodate specialist equipment, such as a remotely operated platform and a laboratory.

The vessel will also be fitted with an all-electric propulsion system, powered by batteries, fuel cells and low-emission diesel generators.

Tactical Marine will complete the refit by late 2011.