Signet towing vessel supports West Africa offshore project

Written by Marine Log Staff
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The Signet Warhorse II is proving its worth, after being acquired this past May

DECEMBER 8, 2014—Traveling 6,702 nautical miles and 52 days, the powerful offshore towing vessel Signet Warhorse II towed a large cargo barge with critical components for a Saipem installation to support the Eni Litchendjili, and Nene Marine crude oil and gas fields at Pointe-Noire, Congo on the West Coast of Africa.

Houston-based Signet Maritime Corporation’s powerful 153.58 metric tonne bollard pull tug was contracted through Socomet Sales, a premier international broker specializing in chartering, sale and purchase, newbuilding of vessels and rigs to support the offshore oil and gas exploration and production.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Saipem on this transatlantic tow and project in West Africa.  Signet is proud to charter one of our most powerful tugs, the Signet Warhorse II to support our respected customer and fulfill their global towing needs,” says Patrick McTigue, assistant manager of business development.

Traveling at an approximate speed of 5.5 knots, the offshore towing vessel navigated north of Cuba, along the old Bahama Channel and made one stop in Fortaleza, Brazil to refuel.  Signet Warhorse II continued its journey across the Atlantic arriving in the Congo after 52 days. The tug will remain in Congo assisting the project as needed and return to the U.S. Gulf of Mexico with two cargo barges upon completion of the project.

The Nene-Litchendjili project focuses on the drilling and production of natural gas.  The gas will be transported to the Djeno Total liquid hydrocarbons terminal.  Signet will be assisting the project by not only towing the jacket, but also by helping position barges for subsea installations.  Saipem is estimating production of 73,500 cubic feet of gas per day solely from the Litchendjili, and is eager to assemble all components to begin commercial operations during 2015.

The Signet Warhorse II was one of eight offshore towing vessels acquired by Signet Maritime from Harvey Gulf International Marine in May 2014.  Since then each vessel is being equipped with EPA Tier 3 compliant generator, winch and bow thruster engine packages.

Signet Maritime President J. Barry Snyder states, “Our customers have come to rely on our quality and exceptional service and with these new additions, our varied fleet provides our customers the ability to employ our tugs domestically and internationally.“

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