IMT 950 joins North Star fleet

The flexible multi-role vessel is the first of a series of four D-class emergency response and rescue vessels designed for the Craig Group by Offshore Ship Designer’s UK arm, OSD-IMT. Built at Spain’s Balenciaga yard the vessel will enter North Sea service and replace older tonnage in the fleet which services 45 installations. The 690dwt vessel is equipped with one 10.2m daughter craft and one 6.4m fast rescue craft, and a 7m Dacon scoop. It is rated for 300 survivors. The vessel has a transit speed of 12.5 knots and is equipped with a high-lift rudder and a 380kW bow thruster linked to a joystick control system. 15 en-suite cabins and a hull designed for enhanced sea keeping ensure that the crew enjoy what is considered to be a much more comfortable time on station than previous generations of standby craft. Three more sister ships will be delivered this year.