Ministers have confirmed the placement of a second multi-million pound shipbuilding order with a Scottish yard in a matter of days.
Outline of proposed new inshore vessel
A marine research vessel will be built by the Aberdeenshire Macduff shipyard, it was confirmed on Friday.
Earlier this week ministers placed a CalMac ferry order with the troubled Ferguson yard in Port Glasgow.
The latest boost should make safe the jobs of the 130-strong workforce, which is critical to the Macduff economy.
The Aberdeenshire business outbid the competition to build the £4m ship, which will replace the FRV Clupea, now 37 years old and based in Fraserburgh.
The 80ft research vessel will carry 15 crew members and scientists.
It will carry out inshore research, surveys and monitoring work to underpin advice given to government in relation to Scotland's fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Fisheries Research Services chief executive, Robin Cook, confirmed that Macduff Shipyards had been selected to build the new vessel.
He said: "The replacement of Clupea is eagerly anticipated by the agency and we look forward to having a modern inshore research vessel to help carry out our marine research programme.
"The new boat will allow FRS to continue undertaking a comprehensive programme of high quality research providing valuable scientific advice to government on fish stocks and the marine environment."