THE 16,412 gt, 2001-built heavylift barge Fjord undertakes submerging trials on Monday in Malta Grand Harbour’s Bighi Bay watched by hundreds of locals and tourists. Having arrived at Malta Shipyards in November 2005 for what was then reported as a “significant contract” worth over $23.4m, works have included lengthening, fitting of propulsion equipment and accommodation facilities. Following Monday’s trials, Fjord returned to MSL for another period of drydocking. Last August, Lloyd’s List quoted MSL chief executive Chris Bell saying that the barge would be delivered by October. Cecil Jones