The largest ship ever built by The Craig Group, an S class Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) launched this week at Balenciaga Shipyard in Northern Spain.
The Craig Group has committed £50M to the construction of the vessel, The Grampian Sovereign, and its sister ship, The Grampian Sceptre. Managed by The Craig Group division North Star Shipping, the two IMT-982 designed vessels will also create 50 new jobs for the Aberdeen based company.
Going on long term charter in 2013 in the North Sea, the vessel represents a continued drive by the group to operate the largest and most modern British wholly owned fleet engaged in the UK offshore industry, supporting 50 installations in the North Sea.
Douglas Craig, Chairman and Managing Director of Craig Group , whose wife Isobel Craig named the vessel this week in Northern Spain, said: “This is an historic moment for The Craig Group and for North Star Shipping. Launching such a large ship firmly underlines our position as market leaders of the provision of offshore support, ROV Survey, platform supply vessels and emergency response and rescue vessels in the North Sea.”
The vessels are 83 metres long with an 18 metre beam and have diesel electric propulsion systems offering a greater fuel economy and efficiency. They have been specifically designed to meet the requirements of operators in the North Sea.
North Star managing director, Callum Bruce , said: “We are constantly looking at ways of modernising our fleet through new builds using the most up to date vessel technology and designs as we aim to meet our customers’ needs in terms of safety, quality and efficiency.”
This investment brings the total new-build programme by Craig Group since 2003 to over £230 million, representing 22 new vessels built.
At present the fleet stands at 36 vessels and includes a mix of Platform Supply, Tanker Assist, ROV Support, as well as Emergency Response and Rescue Vessels.
[mappress]
Craig Group, December 14, 2012