UK: New Craig Group Vessel Christened at Aberdeen Harbour

A brand new Craig Group vessel was christened, Monday September 20, at Aberdeen Harbour as the global shipping and energy services firm names one of the last vessels in its £130 million investment programme.

The vessel, which is a NSS -IMT 948 designed emergency response and rescue (ERRV) vessel, will be named the Grampian Calgary. She will be managed by Craig Group’s division North Star Shipping,

She will go straight into service with Talisman Energy providing crucial emergency response and rescue services to the Piper B, Satire, Tartan and Claymore installations.

The charter is for five years with five one-year options. She has been named the Grampian Calgary after the city in which Talisman Energy has its headquarters.

Leading providers of offshore support, ROV survey and emergency and response and rescue vessels, North Star Shipping aims to supply the most efficient, modern and cost-effective fleet for customers operating in the North Sea.

The naming of the Grampian Calgary follows on from a £130 million programme by The Craig Group that began in 2005 that is due for completion this year. It also comes on the back of an announcement by the organisation that it will build four additional new ERRVS in 2011.

The Group operates the most modern, wholly owned British fleet operating in the UKCS (United Kingdom Continental Shelf).

At present the whole fleet stands at 30 vessels that will increase to 32 by the end of the year.

North Star managing director, Callum Bruce, said:

“Our continued commitment to the expansion and ongoing modernisation of the fleet reinforces our strategy of providing clients with a service based on quality and safety.

“We are delighted that this vessel has been officially named today at Aberdeen Harbour and we are really excited that we are in the final stages of completing our £130 million investment programme.”

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Source: Craig Group,September 22, 2010,