Basque yard launches oilrig rescue vessel

Balenciaga shipyard in Zumaya, Spain, has launched the ?Grampian Commander?, the first of four vessels destined for the Scottish port of Aberdeen, where they are to be operated by North Star Shipping. The $44 million-plus contract ensures that the shipyard will be fully occupied until the end of 2006.

The newbuilding will primarily be carrying out stand-by duties close to North Sea oilrigs, ready to enter into action to take workers off in case of platform accidents or emergencies and pick up anyone who ends up in the sea.

Besides two high-speed rescue boats, capable of taking up to 15 people and which can be winched back on board the mother ship, the new vessel is fitted with several systems for winding people in straight from the water.