The units are standard ISO containers, converted using materials fully approved by most classification societies. A very wide range of fixtures, fittings and finishes are available, right down to having a company logo on the outside. And, because they are still basically containers, they are easily transportable to any destination.

Richards recently fitted out six units with laboratory and computer equipment for Gardline Marine Sciences, who are going to use the converted containers on the deck of their vessels for on the spot analysis of seabed core samples.

The marine deck containers come with high grade panelling, fire retardant materials, and watertight doors, but the Gardline contract also included a couple fitted with stainless steel to give a complete 'clean-room' environment.

The advantage of having a container fitted out to specifications and then placed on deck is that the only downtime for the vessel is the plugging-in of the services such as water and electricity to the host ship's supply - a big advantage over conventional refits which can take months and require the boat spending a fair amount of time in dry dock. With both demand for and the cost of refits rising, finding a viable alternative simply makes financial sense.

What is more, the customised boxes can be lifted off and transferred between boats easily. Richards is finding no end to the possibilities for container conversions. 'We are now looking at using containers for accommodation, and we are also getting some interest in using specially built containers, capable of being pressurised and fitted with air-locks, on offshore platforms,' concluded Simon Coote.