Craig Group announced the investment of £70million to build six new vessels at the Balenciaga Shipyard in northern Spain. Four D-class IMT 950 Emergency Response and Rescue Vessels (ERRV) and two F-class IMT 958 ERRVs will be delivered during 2014 and early 2016, replacing existing tonnage in the fleet.
Douglas Craig, chairman and managing director of Craig Group, said: “This significant investment is part of our continued drive to operate the largest and most modern wholly British-owned fleet engaged in the UK offshore industry.
“A new-build program of this size and scale underlines our commitment to the marine industry and means that we continue to offer our customers an unrivalled service.”
The fleet expansion comprises four D-Class vessels, complementing the existing four D-Class vessels already in service within the fleet. The vessels, each 50m in length, will be outfitted with 1 daughter craft and 1 fast rescue craft as well as state-of-the-art survival facilities.
Two F-Class vessels will also be brought into service. Slightly larger at 58m-long with diesel electric propulsion via twin azimuth stern drives, they will also be equipped with daughter craft and fast rescue craft, as well as being able to transfer and store limited deck cargo, and provide offshore locations with fresh water and fuel, if required.
Callum Bruce, managing director, of North Star Shipping, which is operated by Craig Group, said: “We are constantly looking at ways of expanding and modernizing our fleet. The new vessels will feature the most up-to-date technology and designs, meeting our customers’ needs in terms of safety, quality, and efficiency.”
Over 160 seafarers’ jobs will be secured as part of the newbuild program which has seen over £230million invested and 22 new vessels since 2003. The investment also allows North Shipping to continue to support British Shipping by training 80 officer cadets on an annual basis.
At present the fleet stands at 36 vessels and includes a mix of ERRV, platform supply, tanker assist, and ROV support vessels.
Image: Two F class IMT 958 ERRVs will be delivered during 2014 and early 2016.
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