Fastest-in-the-Oil-Patch FSV is speeding aid to Puerto Rico

Liam J. McCall can make the 1,200 mile trip from Miami to Puerto Rico in 36 hours

NOVEMBER 1, 2017 — ​When SEACOR Marine Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SMHI) designed the FSV Liam J. McCall as a next generation “fastest in the oil patch” Fast Support Vessel, it did not anticipate the vessel would be supporting recovery efforts in Puerto Rico. However, along with many U.S. oilfield service vessels, the FSV is now transporting critical supplies and equipment to the stricken island.

With a full load of deck cargo and communications specialists, the vessel can make the 1,200 mile trip from Miami to Puerto Rico in a near record breaking 36 hour transit.

“These vessels are no longer a traditional crew boat,” said.Captain Bobby Soileau, who has made two trips to Puerto Rico on the Liam J. McCall. “With the nice reclining seats, this vessel is very comfortable for our passengers. With Ride Control and stabilizers onboard we can comfortably maintain good speed, even in rough seas, which is good for the crew, good for the passengers, and good for the cargo. I asked our guests about the ride and they all said it was comfortable.”

“The last passage averaged 25+ knots even though at times we were slicing through 6- to 8-foot seas,” said Chris Nance, Chief Engineer on the Liam J. McCall.

“With offshore oil and gas production pushing into deeper water and farther from shore bases, we designed our latest series of Comfort Class FSVs with rider friendly airline-style first class seats, entertainment amenities for passengers, and unparalleled speed of 38-40 knots,” said John Gellert, CEO of SEACOR Marine Holdings Inc. “Our goal was to offer a cost effective alternative to helicopters and still retain flexibility to move vital cargo

“We knew this would become a critical tool for transporting personnel and equipment to deep water oil and gas facilities,” he contimue These trips to Puerto Rico establish their benefit in emergency response. With the Liam J. McCall being one of the fastest vessels in our fleet, we are glad its speed could translate into expediting delivery of critical infrastructure equipment to help restore communications in Puerto Rico. No other offshore support vessel could have delivered these supplies as quickly as the Liam.”

Delivered by the Gulf Craft LLC shipyard in Franklin, LA, in 2015, and designed by Incat Crowther, the Liam J. McCall gets its speed from from five Cummins QSK60 diesel engines, each developing 2,680 hp at 1,900 rpm each and powering HamiltonJet HT810 waterjets.

SEACOR Marine has been a pioneer in the fast movement of personnel and cargo. For many years the primary evolution was to build bigger vessels. However, the new generation FSVs focus on creature comforts, are designed for long trips, and can handle over 300 long tons on an open deck of over 3,000 sq. ft.

SEACOR Marine has four Comfort Class vessels and six CrewZer Class catamarans in service with speeds from 38-42 knots.

Four additional Comfort Class vessels are under construction and will join the fleet in the next two years.