Craig launches biggest vessel ever

The Craig Group?s biggest ever platform supply vessel has been launched in Spain. The Grampian Talisman represents an investment of £12 million by the global shipping and energy services company and will join its fleet of offshore support vessels later this year.

Craig Group division, North Star Shipping, contracted Astilleros Balenciaga SA of Spain to build the 78.2 metre platform supply vessel that displaces 4,000 tonnes. The Grampian Talisman is the ninth vessel ordered from Balenciaga by the group in five years and underlines its commitment to and confidence in the North Sea.

North Star managing director, Callum Bruce, says: “We are proud to have launched this flagship addition to the fleet. Our fleet of multi-role vessels has been extensively modernised in the last few years and the addition of this high specification platform supply vessel clearly demonstrates continued commitment to providing clients with cost effective innovative solutions.”

Designed by IMT of Montrose and measuring 78.2 metres in length with a 17 metre beam, the new vessel will have 740 square metres of deck. Although a platform support vessel, she will also be capable of meeting the requirements of a 300 class emergency response and rescue vessel and be capable of carrying daughter craft.