Harvey Gulf Signs Contracts to Build First U.S. Flagged LNG-Powered Vessels

Harvey Gulf International Marine became the first U.S. vessel operator to contract for construction of vessels capable of operating exclusively on natural gas.  The agreement is for two, 302’ X 64’, Dual Fuel Offshore Supply Vessels, with an option for a third.  The contract was signed with Trinity Offshore, which will build the vessels at their Gulfport, MS shipyard. 

In addition to being powered by cleaner burning natural gas, the vessels will achieve “ENVIRO+, Green Passport” Certification by the American Bureau of Shipping.  The requirements for this certification include, among others, that the vessels be continuously manned with a certified Environmental Officer, be completely constructed with certified environmentally friendly materials, and have advanced alarms for fuel tanks and containment systems.  Along with Harvey Gulf’s other vessels under construction, they will be the first OSV’s to achieve this certification, making them the most environmental friendly OSV’s in Gulf of Mexico. 

Harvey Gulf CEO Shane J. Guidry announced the signing: “Today Harvey Gulf continues its commitment to environmental protection by becoming the first to build U.S. a flagged vessel that can run entirely on nature gas.  These vessels will meet the highest emissions standards that exist today and even higher standards that haven’t been created yet.  We recognize the strong stance on environmental protection by the administration in the wake of the oil spill and are doing our part to respond to it and provide our customers support for their environmental commitments.  We hope the government will recognize these achievements and put people back to work in the Gulf of Mexico.”

John Dane III, Trinity’s President and CEO, stated “This project is a significant step for our re-entry into the Deepwater Support Vessel sector and will employ 300 workers at its peak during the next 30 months.”