THE operators of Teesport have launched a survey vessel as part of a £500,000 project.

Port operator PD Teesport welcomed the launch of the Tees Navigator at its Middlesbrough base yesterday.

Redcar MP Vera Baird - who has been involved in The Northern Echo's Support Our Port campaign - was on hand to welcome the vessel.

The 11.5m-long Wildcat catamaran was built by Safehaven Marine Ltd. Its key feature is its speed - and underwater survey equipment can be retracted to avoid damage.

Andrew Ridley, conservancy operations manager for PD Teesport, said: "We are delighted with the arrival of the Tees Navigator. She is an excellent, sleek and graceful catamaran - one of the best commercially available.

"Her main duty is to survey the navigable channels and berths within PS Teesport's jurisdiction."

PD Teesport managing director David Robinson said: "This vessel is part of an investment programme on the river and confirms our growth."

Colin Worswick, chaplain of the port's Mission to the Seafarers, blessed the boat before the MP released the cord for the traditional smashing of champagne over the side of the ship.

PD Ports, owner of PD Teesport, hopes to bring a £300m container terminal to the river, increasing the area's economic output by millions of pounds.