St Johns Ship Building Launches OSV

St. Johns Ship Building Inc. launched a new 157-foot, 590-long-ton cargo hauling offshore service vessel in a traditional champagne-soaked launch on the morning of Friday, March 7.

The Sea Service carries the latest in high-tech computer and satellite reception gear. It can approach an oil rig and remain stationary in all but the roughest of seas as supplies are loaded to the rig, reported The Palatka Daily News. The vessel’s size also allows smaller operators to be competitive with the bigger operations at different rigs.

The vessel will be delivered to Trinidadian company, A.R. Singh Contractors Limited, following river and open sea trials. She is the sister vessel to the Sea Strength, and the second vessel of this type purchased by the owner from St. Johns. Upgrades for the Sea Service versus the Sea Strength include the upgrading of the Bow Thruster to a Schottel thruster, and the addition of a stern thruster.

The company’s president, Steve Ganoe, was noted saying that the shipyard remains a worthwhile competitor in the global market. The workers also openly take pride in building in America with American parts and equipment. St Johns brought jobs and commerce to Putnam County and other northeast Florida areas. About 90 people were used in production for the yearlong build.