Graig supervises building of unique wind power installation vessel

GRAIG Shipping has provided a full support package for the supervision of the building of the first of a series of unique high technology Wind Turbine Installation Vessels. The 130 metre long vessels bring together proven technologies to provide a system which will support a new offshore industry, harnessing wind power for electricity generation.

Working with Graig's advice and support, UK-based engineering firm Mayflower Energy Ltd has ordered one ship and has an option for a second vessel from China's Shanhaiguan yard.

"Chinese shipyards are now first choice for new vessel types," says Hugh Williams, ceo of Graig. "Not only are they competitive on pricing, but they are flexible and willing to adapt to new technology and new designs. We are very happy that we have been able to help Mayflower find the right yard, the right designer and the right classification society to get this new offshore industry off to a good start." Graig advised Mayflower on choice of yards, introduced Denmark's Knud E Hansen as the designer and DNV as a suitable class society, and assisted in yard negotiations. Graig's China-based supervision team will now oversee the building and delivery of the first vessel, which is due to enter service in February 2003.

"The UK government has plans which will require the installation of 1,300 new 2MW offshore turbines over the next ten years," says David Donnelly, Chairman of Mayflower Energy. "There are also plans for major installations around other European coasts. We expect demand for this type of specialist vessel to be very high, and we are happy that Graig has helped us to contract with a Chinese shipyard for the construction of this technologically advanced vessel to install the turbines."

The TIV-I vessels will be 130.5m loa, 38 m beam, and will be equipped with six jack up legs, a 300 tonne crane and a 50 tonne crane. Capable of carrying and installing ten turbines and housing a full engineering crew of up to fifty persons, the vessels will be powered by four 1.5 MW thrusters, giving a sea speed of 10.5 knots. To be flagged in the Isle of Man, the vessel will be classed DNV +1A1, self elevating Units.

Full technical details and images of the vessels are available at www.mayflower-energy.com

Mayflower Energy Ltd is a subsidiary of the Mayflower Corporation plc and is based in Sotherby Road Middlesbrough.

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.

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Issued by: John Guy, Merlin Corporate Communications Tel. +44 (0)1293 55 00 44, [email protected]