Family owned shipping and energy services firm, Craig Group, announced the investment of £70million to build six new vessels at the Balenciaga Shipyard in Northern Spain.

Four D class IMT 950 Emergency Response and Rescue Vessels (ERRVs) and two F class IMT 958 ERRVs will be delivered during 2014 and early 2016, replacing existing tonnage in the fleet.

Douglas Craig, Chairman and Managing Director of Craig Group, said: “This significant investment is part of our continued drive to operate the largest and most modern wholly British owned fleet engaged in the UK offshore industry.

“A new-build programme of this size and scale underlines our commitment to the marine industry and means that we continue to offer our customers an unrivalled service.”

The fleet expansion comprises four D Class vessels, complementing the existing four D Class vessels already in service within the fleet. 50 meters in length, the vessels will be outfitted as a minimum with 1 Daughter Craft and 1 Fast Rescue Craft as well as state of the art survival facilities.

Two F Class vessels will also be brought into service. Slightly larger at 58 meters long with diesel electric propulsion via twin Azimuth Stern Drives, they will also be equipped with Daughter Craft and Fast Rescue Craft as well as being able to transfer and store limited deck cargo and provide offshore locations with fresh water and fuel if required.

Tags: The Craig Group