Gliders, moreover, give a continuous view of what is going on, rather than the series of snapshots yielded by equipment lowered from a vessel at the surface.
The Clyde is described by the MoD as a "highly capable and versatile vessel" with state-of-the-art air and surface surveillance radars, a 30mm gun mounting and the capability to operate a variety of helicopters from her flight deck.
Mario Ploner, the managing director of Tecnomeccanica Biellese, says the ship-based system will use external booms running parallel with the vessel's sides to channel oil onto wool that has been spread over the surface of the sea.