Ipswich port bosses say they are “delighted” after floating storytelling museum Noah’s Ark arrived for a three-month festive stopover.

East Anglian Daily Times: Museum ship Noah's Ark Picture: BIGSHIP BVMuseum ship Noah's Ark Picture: BIGSHIP BV (Image: Bigship BV)

The ark, which is berthed at Orwell Quay, takes visitors on a cultural and educational journey through the bible's old and new testament. It is not linked to any church or religious group and aims to provide a family-friendly experience.

The concept was developed by Dutch TV and theatre producer Sir Aad Peters, who wanted to create the first floating biblical theme park in Europe. It took him five months to re-configure the original 70m long vessel to contain the multitude of wooden sculpture and statues, spread over four floors. The vessel is 13m high and 10m wide.

MORE - Dozens of hauliers lose jobs after firms hit by 'ongoing financial difficulties'ABP divisional port manager Paul Ager said: "We're delighted to welcome this educational vessel to our port and we hope that it will provide great entertainment to the local community over the festive period."

It was "an enormous" vessel which was expertly handled by our skilled people, "with little or no margin for error", he said. "This is another example of our people's expertise, to routinely handle any challenge, flexibly and safely."

East Anglian Daily Times: Dutchman Aad Peters inside his floating museum - a replica of Noah's Ark - which opened to visitors on November 15 Picture: NEIL DIDSBURYDutchman Aad Peters inside his floating museum - a replica of Noah's Ark - which opened to visitors on November 15 Picture: NEIL DIDSBURY (Image: Archant)