ESG Launches the HOS Black Foot

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. is pleased to announce the launching of the HOS BLACK FOOT (Hull 206) on Friday January 17, 2014 for Hornbeck Offshore Services, LLC. The HOS BLACK FOOT is Eastern’s second vessel in Hornbeck Offshore’s HOSMAX 310 class series. The launching event was held at Eastern’s Allanton facility with hundreds of Eastern Employees and Guests attending, including Naval Architecture students from the University of New Orleans, LA who were visiting the shipyard.

Attending from Hornbeck was Carl G. Annessa, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Annessa spoke about the long term commitment, partnership and future of the two companies. Once again he praised the quality of workmanship, the ongoing vessel deliveries and the great operational performance of the HOSMAX 300 class vessels; the HOS RED DAWN, the HOS RED ROCK, and the HOS RENAISSANCE, now on charter serving their clients, supporting the Gulf of Mexico’s deep water drill operations. In addition, Scott Siberski, HOS Manager of Projects, four Hornbeck Operations personnel and vessel officers of the Hornbeck Team witnessed the launch of the sixth of twelve HOSMAX Offshore Supply Vessels and MPSV’s under contract with Eastern.

Captain Harry Turner, a 15 year employee of Hornbeck Offshore, will be taking the vessel to sea as Master once she delivers this summer. His wife Lisa had the honors of christening the vessel; they were accompanied by their son Joshua. Prior to the launch, Eastern’s President Brian D’Isernia, said a few words about the future the two companies share; the continued growth of Eastern Shipbuilding and the Offshore Marine Industry in the United States. Deacon Earl Mirus of Saint John’s Catholic Church of Panama City, Florida, performed the blessing of the vessel.

Eastern’s HOSMAX launch and delivery sequence continues into 2014, proving its commitment to another on time and on budget new construction program. The HOS RED DAWN, the HOS RED ROCK and the HOS RENAISSANCE have been delivered in 2013 and are in-service. The final sister vessel in the HOSMAX 300 class, the HOS RIVERBEND, is currently at Eastern completing final regulatory and DP-2 trials and will deliver in a few days.

The HOS BLACK FOOT is the second of six (6) vessel Eastern vessels designated as the HOSMAX 310 series by Hornbeck Offshore and is a Diesel-Electric powered, twin Z-drive propelled OSV. These high-tech vessels feature four Caterpillar 3516C 16-cylinder turbo-charged Tier III diesel generator engines each rated at 1,825 kW at 1,800 rpm. Main propulsion power is provided by two GE Energy furnished Hyundai 2,500 kW 690VAC electric motors driving two Schottel SRP 2020 FP Z-Drives with nozzles rated at 2,500 kW at 1,025 rpm each for a total of 6,704 Hp. Schottel is also providing two STT 4 fixed pitch tunnel thrusters rated at 1,180 kW at 1,170 rpm, each with direct coupled Hyundai 690VAC electric motors. GE Energy Power Conversions is providing the complete system integrated diesel electric package, including the propulsion and thruster drives, motors, control systems, DP system, switchboards, motor control centers, automation and navigation/communication electronics. These vessels are capable of a maximum speed of 14 knots with a cruising speed of 12 knots. The fully integrated bridge is arranged for increased visibility and features the latest technology in navigation, communication equipment.

All ten of the HOSMAX Offshore Supply Vessels under contract are USCG, ABS Classed ?A1, Offshore Support Vessel and Ocean Service, Loadline, ?AMS, ?ACCU, ?Circle E, ?DPS-2 with additional ABS Class notations UWILD, ENVIRO, FFV-1 and certified under SOLAS/IMO. Additionally, HOS has contracted with Eastern for two HOSMAX 310ES Multi-Purpose Supply Vessels (MPSV’s) with accommodations for 73 persons, a 250MT subsea crane, moon pool, helideck and two (2) ROV/LARS units.

The two HOSMAX 310ES Multi-Purpose Platform Supply Vessels are to be ABS Classed Hull and Machinery, Oceans Service and reviewed for the United States Coast Guard under the Alternate Compliance Program (ACP 2-95) with the following Class Notations, ?A1, ?AMS, ? ACCU, ?DPS-2, UWILD, FFV-1, ?Circle E, Offshore Support Vessel (HNLS, HDC, HLC), GP, RRDA, HELIDK, ENVIRO, CRC, SPS (Special Purpose Ship), and certified under SOLAS/IMO.