The Wartsila Marine designed LNG-powered SV310DF OSV
New Orlean’s based marine transportation company Harvey Gulf International Marine has approved the construction of two Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs) powered by dual-fuel (LNG/diesel) engines, a first in the United States. The SV310DF vessels, designed by STX Marine Inc., will have liquefied natural gas (PNG) capacity to operate for seven days with three engines at full RPM – a range of approximately 2,000 miles (3,200 kms).
The 300’ vessels are expected to be built at Signal International’s yard in Orange, Texas. They will carry 5,520 tons of deadweight at load line and have a transit speed of 13 knots, reports Marine Log.
Harvey Gulf ’s Chairman & CEO Shane J. Guidry explained the decision to go with LNG will enable the company to meet the strict government demands for both reduced emissions and clean burning energy use. A North American Emission Control Area (ECA) has been established that includes most of the US and Canadian coast, that implemented new NOx limits for 2010 and new SOx limits starting 2012. A US Caribbean ECA, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, set NOx limits for 2011 and SOx for 2014.
Delivery of the first dual-fuel OSV is planned for October 2013, with the other two to follow shortly thereafter.
