SOUTHAMPTON based marine outfitters Trimline have played a key role in bringing Saga Cruises' new passenger ship Saga Ruby into service following a refit in Malta dry dock.

Much of the work in the Mediterranean was concentrated in a month-long period but Trimline's factory in Northam was involved in several weeks of preparation culminating in four containers of fitting out materials being shipped to Malta.

After an initial fortnight of stripping out, the Trimline team of some 30 tradesmen moved on site to carry out extensive work in the former Cunarder Caronia's public rooms and newly created cabins.

Trimline sales and marketing director Mike Oliver said: "This was a major project in the scope of work content, manufacturing and logistical challenges. It brought into play the attributes and experience that enable us to provide cruise ship operators with a total turn-key service."