Vessels: Harvey Gulf takes First of Six Innovative OSVs

Harvey Gulf Intl. recently took delivery of Harvey Provider, a unique 240 x 56 x 18.5 Offshore Service Vessel (OSV) which is classed by ABS as Maltese Cross A1 Ocean Service Dynamic Position Level 2 (DP-2). Harvey Provider is the first of six vessels, and the DP-2 certification means that it can transport a full load of cargo (approximately 3,000 tons) in and out of most of South Louisiana, Texas and Alabama ports, not restricted exclusively to deepwater ports.

Harvey Provider is special because of its navigational capabilities per its DP-2 certification, a designation which dramatically expands its scope of operation, and hence, revenue. The vessel is built to carry an incredible load, with a clear deck space measuring 175 x 56 ft. (9,800 sq. ft.), able to carry 2,352 short tons. Below deck, the ship can accommodate: 7,000 barrels of liquid mud in 10 tanks; 1,100 barrels of methanol in two tanks; 9,600 cu. ft. of dry bulk mud in six tanks; 5,485 barrels of drill water in 13 tanks; and 290,000 gallons of diesel fuel in the standard fuel tank, or a total of 500,000 gallons of diesel fuel when the liquid mud tanks, which are already piped and certified for fuel service, are used.

As much as the vessel depends on the DP-2 certification and its capacity to get business, it depends on its intricate cargo handling system - designed to load and unload as quickly and safely as possible - to keep business. The cargo discharge system was custom designed by Advance Marine of Gray, La., and the system controls 168 automated valves throughout the vessel, all controlled from the pilothouse. The system software allows the operator to view a particular piping schematic, viewing the flow path before it occurs.

The boat's tank level indicator system, also provided by Advance marine, monitors 43 cargo, ballast and fuel tanks in the vessel from two PCs in the pilothouse, and another in the engineer's stateroom. Not only can the system present quantities in gallons, volume or tonnage, but it is interfaced with the ship's stability program to provide immediate insights as to the vessel's stability under any load or planned condition. The system even allows the input of "what if" scenarios, to plan for coming weather events.

An integrated fuel management system monitors main engine fuel burn rate, while calculating an efficiency factor based on real time operating conditions including speed over ground, which allows the charterer to operate the vessel at its most economical speed.

Main propulsion is from a pair of Caterpillar 3516 diesel engines - supplied through Louisiana Machinery - which provides 4,750 hp. Maneuverability is aided by a pair of 925-hp bowthrusters and a 540-hp stern thruster.

Built by Eastern Shipbuilding, Shane J. Guidry, president of Harvey Gulf credits the builder and the long list of product and system suppliers in bringing to fruition the first in series. The list is long and distinguished, and not unfamiliar in the GOM region, including: Kongsberg Simrad, Karl Senner, Engine Monitor, Design Associates, Advance Marine, Escola Valves, Louisiana Machinery, DP Consultants Poseidon Inc. and C-Mar. In addition, he credited Wade Pitre, Harvey Gulf International's newbuild construction manager.