STX Finland Oy and the South African Department of Environmental Affairs has signed a contract for construction of a Polar Supply and Research Vessel. The ship with a value of approximately $173m will bring some 600 man-years of work. The ship will be build in the Rauma shipyard and it will be delivered in spring 2012. The ship will function as a multi-purpose vessel, serving, among other things, as a supply vessel, research vessel, icebreaker, expedition vessel, as well as a passenger ship.