BAE Yards Busy with PSV Newbuilds, Ship Repairs

BAE Systems continues to support the offshore energy market as it expands new construction efforts and maintenance, repair, overhaul and conversion operations at its shipyards in Mobile, Ala., and Jacksonville, Fla.
Earlier this year, BAE Systems began construction on the first of two platform supply vessels for GulfMark Americas, Inc. The 300-Class DP2 vessels are designed by MMC Ship Design and Marine Consulting, Ltd. of Poland and will be based on similar platform supply vessels currently under construction for GulfMark abroad. The green vessels will be U.S. flagged and will support the anticipated future demand in the Gulf of Mexico offshore market and other areas around the world and will be delivered in 2014.
The company also commenced construction on two of the four platform supply vessels it’s building for Jackson Offshore Holdings, LLC. The vessels, which will support multiyear contracts in the Gulf of Mexico for Jackson, will be qualified under the U.S. Jones Act and will measure 252 x 60 ft.. Deliveries are scheduled for 2014 and 2015.  
“There are numerous opportunities in the oil patch and a host of shipyards that can meet the demand,” said Richard McCreary, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards. “However, our customers recognize our commitment to safety and quality and our reputation for high-quality workmanship meets their stringent requirements.  Dealing with a large stable, financially strong organization such as BAE Systems is equally important.”
The company’s Mobile shipyard is adjacent to the 42 foot deep ship channel on Mobile Bay – providing direct access to and from the Gulf of Mexico and major shipping lanes.
The Gulf Coast operation is an established expert in blue-water ship repairs and conversions, including those from commercial fleets, cruise ships and vessels that serve the U.S. defense cargo market.
The shipyard also has experience in the repair and conversion of drilling rigs and semi-submersibles serving the offshore energy industry. It offers drydock and heavy-lift capacity for the largest ships trading in and around the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico region with significant pier space, industrial fabrication capability and marine fabrication equipment and systems.
The Jacksonville yard is located two miles from the Atlantic Ocean, at the intersection of the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway

(As published in the September 2013 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News - www.marinelink.com)