Management and staff at A&P Tyne at Hebburn are gearing up for the arrival of former ice-breaking vessel the Ice Maiden.

The contract, one of the biggest won by the yard in recent years, will safeguard employment until the end of 2008.

David Skentelbery, managing director of north east business for the A&P Group, said: "The Ice Maiden is due to arrive at Hebburn on May 25.

"This is a nine-month contract and will involve most of our workforce, which currently stands at about 500, including contractors.

"This is a good level of work for us, and we are doing work in preparation for the arrival of the Ice Maiden."

The former ice-breaker will be converted into a vessel able to accommodate almost 400 people.

Awarded by the C&M Group, Aberdeen, on behalf of owners Silters, the contract will involve the fitting of more than 2,000 tonnes of steelwork, to create new decks and machinery spaces.

The Ice Maiden is just the latest in a series of conversion and upgrade contracts won by the Hebburn yard in recent months.

Work is nearing completion on the offshore construction ship CSO Orelia, which arrived at A&P Tyne at the start of this year for the installation of a 370-tonne fabricated 90-person accommodation block, plus new bow and stern structures.

Mr Skentelbery added: "The Orelia is expected to leave the yard in a few weeks' time."

Last month, P&O passenger and vehicle ferry Norcape arrived at Hebburn for a general upgrade, including decking and main crankshaft work.

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