First GoM LNG-powered OSV

The Harvey Energy, a special Offshore Supply Vessel (OSV), has been delivered to Shell Oil for its deepwater operations in the Gulf of Mexico. The vessel is chartered from Harvey Gulf International Marine. It is a first-of-its-kind in the region to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and diesel. The OSV was built by Gulf Coast Shipyard in Mississippi to meet requirements of the ABS “ENVIRO+, Green Passport” notation. It will run on 99 percent LNG fuel and be able to operate for around seven days before refueling. It will load from Harvey Gulf’s new LNG bunkering facility at their terminal at Port Fourchon, La.. More than 600 oil and gas drilling rigs and platforms are located within a 40-mile radius of the terminal. From there, the OSV will go to Shell’s platforms in the Gulf to bring equipment and drilling fluids. Shell has two more LNG-fueled vessels scheduled for delivery. LNG fuel is a new alternative for vessel operators in the Gulf of Mexico responding to new sulphur and nitrogen oxide emissions regulations, as part of the North American Emission Control Area (ECA). (Source: Marine Link 03/05/15)