Graig News

James Fisher and Sons plc and Uptime International have signed a memorandum of understanding to partner for the use of motion compensated gangways in the development of the pioneering Ulstein SX221 Diamond SOV. The duo said that the agreement would ensure the safety and efficiency of offshore personnel through autonomous and intelligent operations.The news is related to the Diamond Consortium’s ULSTEIN SX221 Diamond SOV concept, announced in June 2022. With James Fisher representing the Diamond Consortium…

James Fisher and Sons plc and Graig Shipping PLC unveiled a new service operation vessel (SOV) design concept, the Ulstein Twin X-Stern named ULSTEIN SX221 Diamond SOV to support the UK’s target of 50GW of offshore wind energy generation by 2030.The concept is the result of collaboration by the Diamond Consortium, a collaboration between James Fisher and Graig with support from DNV and design partner, Ulstein Design Solutions. The result will provide a future-proof design to address…

Marine and offshore vessel management and support services provider V.Group said it has acquired Graig Ship Management Ltd, part of Graig Shipping PLC, which has developed a reputation for new build supervision and ship management of dry bulk vessels. This reputation, which has its roots as part of Graig Shipping PLC’s 100 year history and is supported by a global maritime workforce, has grown steadily over the past 25 years. Graig Ship Management will continue to operate independently within the V.Group portfolio.

Idwal Marine has launched the shipping industry’s first cloud-based online platform to provide instant quotations and deliver reporting for complete vessel condition, pre-purchase and pre-charter inspection services. The online platform www.inspectmyship.com provides 24-hour access to a global network of ISO-certified ship inspectors worldwide and comprehensive vessel condition reports to help banks, shipowners, brokers, charterers and financial organisations assess the condition of shipping assets. The UK-based inspection services provider, Idwal Marine (part of the Graig Group), believes that the current low charter rate environment and downward pressure on asset values is driving shipowners…

BIMCO has now launched a new standard contract for ship managers to provide supervision services for shipbuilding and conversion projects. The contract, code named SUPERMAN, is a valuable new addition to BIMCO's existing suite of ship management agreements. Developed by a team of industry experts, SUPERMAN is a comprehensive and clearly worded agreement setting out a ship managers’ duties and obligations when providing ship construction-related supervisory services. SUPERMAN is modelled closely on the widely used SHIPMAN 2009. All of which have been adapted to suit this particular set of services. Like SHIPMAN, the supervision contract will provide users with a range of optional services to suit the needs of users. ·         technical specification review.

DNV GL launched a new service named Build2Design to help shipyards and shipowners improve the fuel economy of their ships by reducing variations in their building process. Significant improvements have been achieved in the design of more fuel-efficient ships in recent years. The performance of these Eco-Ship designs has been documented by both Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and tank testing and some designs have also proven their performance in operation. However, questions…

Amongst newbuilding orders in the past week U-Ming Marine Transport of Taiwan continue their Capesize ordering with a firm order for four more 186,000 dwt dry bulk carriers, according to the latest Clarkson Hellas Weekly S+P Report. Dry Bulk: U‐Ming Marine Transport of Taiwan (Far Eastern Group) have continued their Capesize ordering at SWS by declaring four further options to their original order of four firm 186,000 DWT Capes in February this year. Although pricing was undeclared, Clarkson Hellas understand delivery of the options is split between 2015 and 2016. Having been signed earlier this year, it has come to light this week that Cara Shipping (Rizhao Steel) has placed an order for two firm 82,000 DWT Kamsarmax at Jinling, with the vessels due for delivery in 2014 and 2015.

Cardiff-based Graig Group has taken delivery of the 35,000 dwt handysize bulk carrier Graig Cardiff, the first of two Seahorse 35 class vessels building for Graig and partners at Jiangdong Shipyard, Wu Hu, China. The Graig Cardiff is entered into the Lauritzen Bulkers pool and is currently on her maiden voyage from Shanghai to Argentina. Her sister vessel, the Graig Rotterdam, is due for delivery later this year. Both vessels have been constructed under the supervision of Graig China Limited and will be managed by Graig's ship management divisions in Cardiff and Shanghai.

Graig secures ten-vessel supervision contract for Global Union suezmax newbuildings. Graig China Ltd (GCL), part of the Cardiff-based Graig Group, has been contracted by Hong Kong-based Global Union Shipping Limited to supervise the construction of ten 157,000 dwt suezmax crude oil tankers building at Jiangsu Rongsheng Heavy Industries Co Ltd in China. The last vessel in the ten-ship order is due for delivery in January 2014. GCL is supervising – or has already delivered - forty other newbuildings at the Rongsheng shipyard. The total number of ships in GCL’s newbuilding programme is now nearing 150. Global Union says that one of the…

Wärtsilä has been contracted to supply the ship design for a series of new generation container feeders. The Cardiff-based Graig Group has ordered up to 26 MARLIN 2000 Blue design container feeders to be built at the major Jin Hai shipyard complex in China. The first two vessels are scheduled for delivery in August and September 2013, with subsequent vessels to be delivered in pairs every two-and-a-half months. Wärtsilä Ship Design has developed the MARLIN series in close cooperation with Graig and the DNV classification society. The design offers cutting-edge features for container vessels. The MARLIN series was designed to deliver approximately 30 percent improved fuel efficiency per TEU carried…

The Cardiff-based Graig Group has ordered a series of up to 26 fuel-efficient new generation MARLIN 2000 Blue design container feeders to be built at the major Jin Hai shipyard complex in China. The first two vessels are scheduled for delivery in August and September 2013 with subsequent vessels to be delivered in pairs every two and half months. Discussions on charters for the vessels are advanced with a number of global liner companies. Hugh Williams, CEO, Graig, says, “This series responds to the industry’s needs.

Cardiff-based Graig Ship Management Limited has taken delivery of the 79,600 dwt bulk-carrier King Peace, for which it is providing full technical management and crewing on behalf of Shanghai-based Zhong An Shipping. The vessel was built at China’s Wu Jia Zui Shipyard under the supervision of Graig China Ltd. Managing ships for Chinese owners is a logical step for Graig, which began business in China in 1995, building ships there for itself, then building up expertise in newbuilding supervision and Chinese yard capabilities to help other Western owners to get the best out of China.

Shanghai-based Graig China, part of the UK’s Graig group, has won a ten-ship order to supervise newbuildings for Chinese leasing company Minsheng Financial Leasing Co Ltd. The supervision contract brings to twenty-three the number of Chinese-owned vessels building in Chinese shipyards under the supervision of Graig. The new contract is to supervise the construction of ten 76,000 dwt bulk carriers to be built at Jiangsu Rong Sheng Heavy Industries Co Ltd, with delivery of the final vessel scheduled for the first quarter of 2012.

The Containerization & Intermodal Institute, which for nearly 50 years has provided education in the international trade and transportation industry, awarded 10 scholarships to students committed to making a career in the field. The awards were made during the annual Connie Awards luncheon that honored James E. Butcher, Chairman of Höegh Autoliners, and Evergreen Vice Group Chairman, Captain S.Y. Kuo. The event was held at The Newark Club. Steven Blust, former chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, heads the scholarship program. Co-Chairman is Captain Jon Helmick, USMS, from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. The CII Richard A.

Cardiff-based Graig Ship Management has established a new company in Singapore. Graig Services (Singapore) Pte Ltd will provide ship management, crewing and other services across Asia. Geoff Hutcheon has been appointed General Manager. "Singapore is one of the world's leading maritime hubs and the ideal place for the Graig Group to expand its Asian footprint," said Hutcheon. Geoff Hutcheon has extensive experience as an engineer at sea and as a project manager, surveyor and newbuilding supervisor ashore.

Cardiff-based Graig Ship Management has appointed Matt Callender as Operations Director. He joined GSM as General Manager in March and is responsible for the day to day running of GSM's fleet. Callender has thirty-five years experience in shipping, beginning as a sea-going engineer, rising to Chief Engineer, then building a career in management, including a period as Joint Managing Director of Reederei NORD Klaus Oldendorff and General Manager - Technical for OSG Ship Management.

Cardiff-based Graig Ship Management appointed Ian Morgan as CEO. Ian takes over from current CEO John Arkell, who is retiring shortly following almost five years as the driving force behind GSM's growth. position of technical superintendent. In July 2006 Ian was appointed fleet technical manager and in July this year rose to the position of general manager and director of GSM. "We are confident Ian will rise to the challenge of his new key role with the Group, and his strong technical background will be especially beneficial as we continue to innovate our range of newbuilding vessels," said Hugh Williams, CEO of the Graig Group. Graig has successfully supervised the building of over 100 ships of different types at yards in Asia.

Changes in the international political and economic climate will add new urgency to the theme of the Shiprepair & Conversion 2001 conference in London in November — gaining the edge in a competitive global industry. Marking the 10th anniversary of the event, the conference takes place alongside the industry's leading exhibition in the Grand Hall, Olympia, on November 28-29. A new pick-and-mix booking format offers cut-price entry to one or more of the four morning and afternoon sessions — giving delegates, exhibitors and visitors more scope to take part in both the conference and trade show, which will feature a record 360 exhibitors.

Graig Shipping has provided a full support package for the supervision of the building of the first of a series of unique high technology Wind Turbine Installation Vessels. The 130 metre long vessels bring together proven technologies to provide a system which will support a new offshore industry, harnessing wind power for electricity generation. Working with Graig's advice and support, UK-based engineering firm Mayflower Energy Ltd has ordered one ship and has an option for a second vessel from China's Shanhaiguan yard. "Chinese shipyards are now first choice for new vessel types," says Hugh Williams, CEO of Graig. "Not only are they competitive on pricing, but they are flexible and willing to adapt to new technology and new designs.

Two leading European shipyard supervision and specialist ship repair groups have joined forces to provide a specialist ship repair service in China. Cardiff-based Graig Shipping Plc and Barry-based Harris Pye Marine Ltd. have launched Graig Harris Pye (China) Ltd, which will meet all ship repair and conversion needs of shipowners from its modern Shanghai office. of Graig. "Very competitive steelwork prices, and a flexible, skilled workforce are attractive to owners. specialist pipework and steelwork projects, boilers and economisers, and can provide supervision and skilled technicians for all aspects of marine repair in China. John Coffin has been appointed general manager of Graig Harris Pye. team of shipyard supervisors based in Shanghai. China.

state shipbuilder Vietnam Ship Industry Corporation (Vinashin). Graig's long standing experience with building high quality ships in China. Graig. with procurement, with finance and with all important quality control. Vietnam can provide them with high quality tonnage. significantly enhancing safety and environmental protection. Delivery date for the first Vinashin vessels is January 2006. Namtrieu Shipbuilding Industry Company in Haiphong. largest and most sophisticated vessels yet built in Vietnam. another substantial shipbuilding centre," says Williams. with the full support of the Vietnamese government. discussion. discussions with charterers. company based in Shanghai. Bulk Carrier with full Nauticus package including a full 3-D model. is scheduled for delivery this year.

Rapidly rising prices for steel plate in China may be taking the edge off the financial performance at some Chinese shipbuilders. But it will take a lot more than that to undermine shipyards' dramatic expansion plans aimed at ensuring the country's builders produce more ships than any other nation by 2015. In the short run, however, the country's relatively inexperienced builders seem to have failed to read the steel supply signs. They have found themselves caught out by a number of factors driving up ship steel prices. These have risen by almost 60% over the last 30 months or so and now stand close to $400 a ton. On the one hand, soaring…

Graig Group is to build on its recent fifteen-ship order in Vietnam by developing series production of a full range of modern-design bulk carriers at Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (Vinashin) yards. The series will range from handysize up to capesize. Speaking after announcement of the Strategic Alliance formed with Vinashin on Friday February 27, Graig CEO Hugh Williams said, "We see significant potential here in Vietnam, and we will be working together with our Vinashin partners to meet the growing demand for modern bulk carriers. The success of our Diamond 53 handymax project in China and in Vietnam proves that owners want well-thought-out and strong vessels at good prices. We will shortly be announcing new sizes of the Diamond range for Graig and its partners.