U.S.-flag OSV sold for Alaska service

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SabreOcean Marine Services, Inc., Nikiski, Alaska, recently purchased the 1998-built, 194 ft offshore support vessel Sabre from Gulf Coast creditors, according to shipbroker Marcon International, Inc., Coupeville, Wash.

The U.S. flag Sabre (ex- Gulf Sabre, ex- Seacor Sabre) to has an overall length of 194 ft, beam of 40 ft and 15 ft depth. It was originally built for Seacor Marine Holdings, Inc. by Steiner Shipyard, Inc., Bayou La Batre, Ala.

The 1,141 dwt OSV is classed ABS + A1, + AMS U.S. Domestic Service and Coast Guard Inspected under Subchapter “L” with all certificates valid at time of sale.

Propulsion for the Sabre is supplied by two 1,125 hp CAT 399TAs connected to Ulstein 900H azimuthing drives, providing a maximum speed of about 12 knots. It is also fitted with a Konsberg Simrad C-Pos-DP1 dynamic positioning system and a 400 hp Brunvoll tunnel bow thruster to assist in station keeping and maneuverability.

Below deck capacities include 87,000 g fuel, 166,794g potable water, 1,150BBL liquid mud, 100,058 g ballast/drill water and 1,200 BBL methanol, in addition to 400 long tons of deck cargo on her 130 ft x 30 ft clear deck aft. Ships power is provided by two 145 kW 460 vAC 60 Hz Cummins diesel driven generators and external fire-fighting by a Nyhuis Holland 5,300 gal/min remote controlled fire monitor.

The vessel has accommodations for a total of 20 persons in 6 cabins and is fitted with galley and mess seating 16 people.

The vessel will be renamed Discovery and is scheduled to start work in Alaska upon its arrival.

Marcon acted as the broker for buyers and Lee Felterman & Assoc. represented the seller.

Ocean Marine Services, Inc. operates OSVs servicing offshore oil and gas production platforms and assisting in backup spill operations in the challenging Cook Inlet, Alaska environment of minus 35 deg. Fahrenheit temperatures, sheet ice conditions, 30 ft tides and up-to 8 knot currents.

One desirable feature for vessels servicing the rigs in Cook Inlet is the low profile, “Gulf style” aft stacks on the Sabre as the OSV has to steam close alongside the rig heading into the current while transfering cargoes. The “Gulf” style stack is less likely to tangle with hoses or other gear hanging below the platform than higher “North Sea” style stacks located close behind the pilothouse.

 

May 17, 2011

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