The Athena was chartered because of a shortage of hotel rooms

The Offshore Europe exhibition, visited by an estimated 15,000 delegates, will take place in the city in September.

Organisers behind the event said the vessel, which usually cruises the Mediterranean, had been commissioned due to a severe shortage of hotel beds.

The Greek-owned ship, named Athena, will be berthed at Peterhead.

The unusual step, estimated to be costing hundreds of thousands of pounds, has been taken by those staging the biennial event at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC).

Hotel space

Brian Horsburgh, depute managing director of the AECC, said concerns over the shortage of hotel space had prompted the move.

He said: "Cruise ships have successfully been used for accommodation purposes throughout the world for conferences.

"We are sure this will be a success."

A standard cabin on the ship will cost about �1,495 for six nights. This includes coach transfer, breakfast and dinner.

In 2005, Athena was hired to accommodate participants of the World Island Games in Shetland.

Offshore Europe takes place from 4 to 7 September.