North Star Shipping has reinforced its fleet of next generation vessels after taking delivery of its new ERRV, the Grampian Devotion, in Aberdeen.
The latest vessel represents the eighth and final D-class IMT-950 Emergency Response and Rescue vessels (ERRVs) that the company has had specially built as part of a major £110million investment programme.
Callum Bruce, managing director of North Star Shipping which is operated by Craig Group, said: “The delivery of the Grampian Devotion marks a key milestone in our investment programme because it both completes our D-class range of new builds and further enhances our fleet of vessels which are at the forefront of safety, technology and capability.
“With the largest, wholly-owned British fleet engaged in the UK offshore industry, we continue to provide the highest levels of service to our clients ensuring the highest levels of safety, quality and service.
North Star Shipping has added seven other D-class IMT-950 ERRVs to its fleet since 2011 with the company’s investment plan due to be complete over the next year with the launch of two F-class IMT-958 multi-role ERRVs, the Grampian Fortress and Grampian Freedom.
The D-class vessels, which are 50 meters in length, are outfitted as a minimum with one daughter craft, one fast rescue craft and state-of-the-art rescue facilities. The F-Class vessels, which are slightly larger at 58 meters long, feature 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.
Since 2003, Craig Group has invested a total of £350million in 26 new vessels for North Star Shipping including the Grampian Devotion. The company’s fleet, which now stands at 38 vessels, includes a mix of platform supply, tanker assist, ROV support and ERRVs. The company supports more than 50 installations in the UKCS and has also rescued 73 people in the North Sea.
Douglas Craig, chairman and managing director of Craig Group, said: “The arrival of the Grampian Devotion underlines our commitment to ensuring that we continue to deliver a safe, high quality and cost-effective service to our clients. This also allows us to continue to train almost 100 cadets to further support the British marine industry and the next generation of seafarers.”
For more information about Craig Group or North Star Shipping, please visit: www.craig-group.com