TWO leading European shipyard supervision and specialist shiprepair groups have joined forces to provide a specialist shiprepair service in China. Cardiff-based Graig Shipping Plc and Barry-based Harris Pye Marine Ltd today launched Graig Harris Pye (China) Ltd, which will meet all shiprepair and conversion needs of shipowners from its modern Shanghai office.

�Chinese shiprepair yards have enormous potential,� says Hugh Williams, ceo of Graig. �Very competitive steelwork prices, and a flexible, skilled workforce are attractive to owners. We can help owners and managers get the best out of that by selecting the right yard for the job, scheduling the repairs and providing supervision which makes sure the owner�s requirements are met, on time and on budget.�

Harris Pye has a proven track record of providing a global service and support system for F.P.S.O and F.S.O., Turnkey boiler and combustion systems, specialist pipework and steelwork projects, boilers and economisers, and can provide supervision and skilled technicians for all aspects of marine repair in China. Mike Dawson, C.E.O. of Harris Pye Group says, �Our Global network of project managers, engineers, technicians and tradesmen, married to Graig�s unrivalled knowledge of Chinese yards, will give shipowners the confidence they need to get the best out of shiprepair and conversion in China.�

John Coffin has been appointed general manager of Graig Harris Pye. He has extensive experience of working with Chinese shipyard projects and leads a team of shipyard supervisors based in Shanghai.

Graig Harris Pye (China) Ltd will select shipyards for specific jobs, schedule the repairs and conversions, provide a full project management service and provide and supervise all specialist technical assistance including spares, procurement and all necessary freight clearances for China.

Harris Pye is a world-wide specialist shiprepair company. Based in the UK, it has its own offices in Singapore, Dubai, Indonesia, Japan, Denmark, Ireland and Portugal. It is experienced in all aspects of shiprepair and conversion, from the largest turnkey FPSO conversion down to galley equipment servicing. Harris Pye has a special emphasis on providing rapid response to problems with machinery, outfit and equipment, including boilers, and all types of pressure systems, air conditioning, refrigeration, engines and propeller, firefighting systems, pipework and accommodation, particularly for cruise ships.

The Graig Group is a global marine service provider with interests in shipowning, shipmanagement, ship design, newbuilding supervision, shiprepair, IT support and ship finance. One of the first shipowners from outside China to realise the potential of the Chinese yards, it has supervised over twenty-five newbuildings there on behalf of itself and major global shipowning groups. Graig has unique experience of working with Chinese shipyards, and its experienced Shanghai-based technical team are the guarantee that Graig�s clients and partners get the best out of China.