Craig Group Launches New PSV

Family owned shipping firm The Craig Group launched its latest Platform Supply Vessel (PSV), the Grampian Sceptre this week at the Balenciaga Shipyard in Northern Spain.

The vessel was officially christened by Mrs. Frances Murray, wife of Alistair Murray, Logistics Team Lead at Talisman Sinopec Energy U.K. Ltd.

Craig Group committed £50M to the construction of this vessel, and it’ sister vessel the Grampian Sovereign. The vessels are the largest ever built by Craig Group and both have secured long term contracts with Talisman Sinopec Energy U.K. Limited. The Grampian Sovereign commences work this week in the North Sea while the Grampian Sceptre will start her contract in September later this year. 

Managed by Craig Group division North Star Shipping, the two IMT-982 designed vessels have created 50 new jobs for the Aberdeen based company.

Craig’s Group continues to operate the largest and most modern British wholly owned fleet engaged in the U.K. offshore industry, supporting 50 installations in the North Sea.

Douglas Craig, Chairman and Managing Director of Craig Group, said, “Our major investment in state of the art oilfield support vessels firmly underpins our position as market leaders in the provision of offshore support, ROV Survey, platform supply and emergency response and rescue vessels. It also shows our commitment to the marine industry and that we continue to offer our customers an unrivalled service.

The vessels are 83 meters long with an 18-meter beam and have diesel electric propulsion systems offering a greater fuel economy and efficiency. They have been specifically designed to meet the requirements of operators in the North Sea.

North Star managing director, Callum Bruce, said, “We are constantly looking at ways of expanding and modernizing our fleet. These vessels feature the most up to date technology and designs, meeting our customers’ needs in terms of safety, quality and efficiency.”

This investment brings the total new-build program by Craig Group since 2003 to over £230 million, representing 22 new vessels built.

At present the fleet stands at 36 vessels and includes a mix of Platform Supply, Tanker Assist, ROV Survey, as well as Emergency Response and Rescue Vessels.