Manama: The University of Qatar has commissioned a research vessel for its Environmental Studies Centre.

"The vessel Jinan will contribute to finding a new generation of Qatari researchers," Dr. Shaikha Al Misnad, the university president, said. "They will contribute to supporting and protecting the environment of Qatar through multiple studies. The vessel will provide an excellent opportunity for practical training to the Qatar University students," she said, quoted by Qatar News Agency (QNA).

Al Misnad said Jinan was an encouraging and supportive factor for scientific research in the field of environmental studies on and around which many scientific and biological studies will be conducted.

"This is a historical day for the University of Qatar, as the commissioning of the vessel Jinan was a dream come true for Qatari researchers," she said

Qatar University Vice President for Research Affairs Hassan Al Dirham said the University wanted, through Jinan and other research activities, to confirm its leadership in the field of scientific work.

The completion of a large scientific database will help produce a clear image of the marine environment conditions, he said.

Mohammad Bin Saleh Al Sada, the energy and industry minister, said that Jinan would contribute to supporting industry and marine environment in Qatar.

"Jinan is unique and its high-tech will enable it perform its work effectively," he said. "It will roam the Qatari and Gulf waters to take samples in order to use them in researches that will benefit the current and future generations," he said.