Spain: Craig Group Launches Final ERRV Grampian Defiance

The last in the series of new D class Emergency Response and Rescue Vessels (ERRVs), commissioned by Craig Group in a £35million investment programme, has been launched.

The Grampian Defiance, the last of four new-build emergency rescue and response vessels (ERRVs) which will be managed by Craig Group division North Star Shipping, was launched at Balenciaga Shipyard in Northern Spain.

The new ERRVs – named the Grampian Don, the Grampian Dee, the Grampian Discovery and the Grampian Defiance – represent 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.

The Grampian Defiance will commence a contract with DONG E&P in September to support its North Sea operations. The other vessels have secured long-term contracts with oil companies providing support to their operations in the North Sea.

North Star managing director, Callum Bruce, said: “It’s great to see the last in the series of these new D class vessels launched. This is the culmination of our most recent investment in the fleet and will lead to an additional 120 jobs in the marine industry.

“The award of these contracts with major operators secures our market leading position in the provision of offshore support, ROV Survey and emergency response and rescue vessels in the North Sea.”

Douglas Craig, Chairman and Managing Director of Craig Group added: “These vessels underline our commitment to the North Sea energy industry, demonstrate our continued investment in a modern, safe and efficient fleet and our continuing support for British shipping.”

The ERRVs were built at the Balenciaga Shipyard, Northern Spain which has now delivered 19 vessels to Craig Group in the last nine years.

They are designated NSS-IMT 950s, designed by IMT of Montrose and each equipped with one or two daughter craft and one fast rescue craft.

This investment in D Class vessels brings the total new-build programme by Craig Group since 2003 to £215million.

Craig Group also announced earlier this year a further £50M investment in two new Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) to support Talisman Energy (UK) Ltd North Sea operations. The two IMT-982 designed vessels will create 50 new jobs and will be delivered to the client in 2013.

Leading operators of offshore support, ROV survey, emergency response and rescue vessels(ERRVs), North Star Shipping aims to provide the most safe, efficient, modern and cost-effective fleet for customers operating in the North Sea and internationally.

At present the fleet stands at 35 vessels and includes a mix of Platform Supply, Tanker Assist, ROV Survey, as well as Emergency Response and Rescue Vessels.

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Subsea World News Staff, May 24, 2012; Image: Craig Group