Harvey Energy in Commercial Operation for Shell

Gulf Coast Shipyard Group (GCSG) has announced that Harvey Energy, the first LNG vessel operating in the United States, for Shell Upstream America’s deep water operations in the Gulf of Mexico, is fully in service. The first of six LNG OSVs being built for Harvey Gulf International Marine, Harvey Energy is the break-out vessel capable of operating on LNG or diesel and is the result of a forward-thinking operator, complex engineering and sophisticated building.

Along with being able to operate on LNG, it also meets the strident criteria of the ABS Enviro+, Green Passport notation. When operating on only LNG, this vessel meets the new Tier IV sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions regulations, part of the North American Emission Control Area (ECA). It will refuel with LNG at Harvey Gulf’s new LNG bunkering facility at Port Fourchon in southern Louisiana which allows easy access to more than 600 oil and gas rigs and platforms within a 40-mile radius. 

Running on 99 percent LNG fuel (it is dual fuel), Harvey Energy is a 310’ x 64’ x 24.5’ platform supply vessel powered by three Wärtsilä 6L34DF dual fuel gensets, providing 7.5 MW of power and fueled by Wärtsilä's LNGPac system. The 5,150 dwt vessel is capable of carrying 253,000 USG of fuel oil, 18,000 bbls of liquid mud, 1,600 bbls of methanol, 10,250 cubic feet of dry cement and 78,000 USG of LNG fuel. The vessel is able to operate on LNG for seven days before refueling. To increase efficiency, Harvey Energy uses Shell’s Gadinia 40 engine oil. 

“The culmination of innovation represented by her successful operation on LNG, Harvey Energy is a source of great pride for the employees of Gulf Coast Shipyard Group,” says John Dane III, President. “The vessel represents the highest form of meeting market, regulatory and environmental demand with solutions for each. We are honored to be part of this historic vessel, setting new building standards for our clients and working in partnership with pioneering companies like Harvey Gulf.” 

Shane Guidry, Chairman and CEO of Harvey Gulf, comments, "The realization of the first OSV capable of operating on LNG is an example of Harvey Gulf's commitment to its customers and the environment to provide the most affordable, innovative, environmentally-friendly technology solutions to meet their business demands."