A white cloth boat carrying Pursteam garments has sailed for the Indian Ocean off the coast of Israel, a step closer to the commercialisation of its wares.

The Israel-based Pursteam Clothing Co. is one of two Israeli companies, along with Shimon, which make the garments, which are exported by ship to more than 200 countries.

The ship is currently moored off the port city of Ashdod in the Israeli port city, Nakhon Phanom, on the south coast of Thailand.

A spokesman for the Israeli navy, Lt.

Col Benjamin Breden, said the vessel was carrying about 100 tonnes of clothes, but could carry even more.

He said the ship was the first ever of its type to be made of fabric woven in Israel.

“It’s a very unusual vessel, as we are not used to seeing such a thing in the sea, but we are very glad that the ship is sailing on its way,” said Bredenso.

While Israel has a long history of commercialising garments, the company has been criticised in the past for not taking the necessary steps to ensure its garments are made in accordance with the law.

It is not clear how long the ship will remain in the waters off Ashdodd, which is near Thailand.