Harvey Gulf picks ABS to class LNG-powered offshore supply vessels

Written by Nick Blenkey

harveylngmicroHarvey Gulf International Marine has selected ABS as the classification society for its two new dual fueled LNG-powered offshore supply vessels (OSVs) being constructed at Trinity Offshore LLC. The vessels will be among the first to be classed under the ABS Guide for Propulsion and Auxiliary Systems for Gas Fueled Ships released in May of 2011.

Shane Guidry, Harvey Gulf International Marine Chairman and CEO said, “We have been working with ABS for a long time. Our people know their surveyors and engineers, and in turn ABS is familiar with us and our vessels. Since these will be the first dual fueled LNG-powered vessels under the U.S. flag, the strong relationship ABS has with the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as ABS’ experience with dual fuel propulsion are also of great value to us.”

“This is likely to be the beginning of a trend for OSVs in the region,” says Kirsi Tikka, ABS Chief Engineer and head of the society’s environmental business activities. “The availability of LNG and the implementation of the US Emission Control Area (ECA) starting in August 2012 make it a natural choice for fuel both from the commercial and environmental point-of-view.

“ABS has the technology and the experience needed for this project and we are pleased to assist Harvey Gulf in this effort,” comments Tikka. “The application of the Guide for the project will be another example of ABS providing environmental solutions to the industry while maintaining its safety focus.”

“ABS has experience with a number of existing LNG carriers with dual fuel propulsion,” notes Tikka. “In addition, nearly three-quarters of LNG carriers on order today will be built with dual fuel capabilities and ABS will be classing almost half of them. The application of dual fueled LNG-powered propulsion to OSVs will be an extension of our 60-year experience in the safe and efficient use of LNG.”

The use of LNG as fuel requires new technical solutions associated with the fuel storage, engine and piping arrangements, as well as the bunkering systems. To manage the complexities of the project, ABS has assigned a dedicated project manager and technical team to oversee the vessels’ construction. “This team will work with Harvey Gulf, Trinity Offshore and the vendors to support the development of design in compliance with the ABS Rules and regulations,” explains Tikka.

The supply vessels are also to receive environmentally-friendly notations from ABS, including ENVIRO+ denoting that the vessels adhere to enhanced environmental standards, POT for the protection of fuel and lubricating oil tanks and the green passport notation, GP.

January 9, 2012

Categories: Oil & Gas Tags:

Leave a Reply