Shipping and energy service firm Craig Group yesterday announced the launch of two new emergency response and rescue vessels (ERRVs).
They are part of a £70million fleet investment by the family-owned Aberdeen company’s North Star Shipping (NSS) business.
A total of six new ERRVs are being delive-red between 2014 and 2016.
The first two, which are both D-class IMT 950 ships, have been named the Grampian Dynamic and Grampian Dynasty.
Craig Group said their arrival in Aberdeen from the Balenciaga shipyard in northern Spain would create 48 jobs.
They have already secured contracts with North Sea operators, starting immediately.
Craig Group chairman and managing director Douglas Craig said: “This is a significant investment… and is one we are making as a result of our commitment to our clients, our employees and the marine industry.
“These new vessels are now part of a fleet that is not only at the forefront of technology but also at the forefront of safety.”
The next two vessels in the contract – also D-class ships – are the Grampian Deliverance and Grampian Devotion, which will be launched by North Star Shipping in 2015. They will be followed by two F-class IMT 958 multi-role ERRVs in early 2016, completing the investment plan.
NSS managing director Callum Bruce said the new-builds cemented the subsidiary’s position as the largest wholly-owned British fleet operator in the UK offshore industry.
Craig Group has invested a total of £350million in 28 new vessels for NSS since 2003.
Including the two latest ERRVs, the NSS fleet stands at 37 vessels. These include platform supply, tanker assist and remotely-operated vessel support ships as well as ERRVs.
Craig Group, which celebrated its 80th birthday last year, employs about 1,100 people and in 2012/2013 turned over £146.8million.
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