Eastern Shipbuilding Delivers Second Tiger Shark Class Vessel

Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc. announced the early delivery of the Sisuag, the second of three  292-foot Tiger Shark Class Offshore Support Vessels, to Harvey Gulf International Marine LLC of New Orleans, La.

Launched in October, the Sisuag is a DP II, SOLAS-approved, FIFI 1 Classed, AC diesel-electric powered, twin Z-drive propelled OSV. This high-tech vessel features four Cummins QSK60-DM 16-cylinder turbo-charged Tier II diesel generator engines, rated 1825 Kw at 1,800 rpm. Main propulsion is provided by two Converteam/GE-furnished Hyundai 2500 Kw 690v AC motors, driving two Schottel SRP 2020 FP Z-drives with nozzles rated at 2,500 Kw at 1,025 rpm each, for a total of 6,704 Hp. Schottel also provided two STT 4 fixed pitch tunnel thrusters, rated at 1,180 Kw at 1,170 rpm each, with direct coupled Hyundai 690v AC electric motors. Converteam/GE provided the complete integrated diesel electric package, including drives, motors, switchboards, motor control centers, automation and navigation and communication electronics. The vessel is capable of a maximum speed of 14 knots with a cruising speed of 12 knots.

Total below-deck capacities of the OSV include 241,408 gallons of fuel, 602,297gallons of water ballast, 19,480 BBL of liquid mud, 14,350 cubic ft. of bulk mud, 1,700 BBL of methanol, and 16,728 gallons of potable water.

STX Canada Marine in Vancouver, Canada, provided the design, based on two earlier vessels built at Eastern for Aries Marine. With the addition of several enhancements, these vessels have stepped up the technology level with capability for world-wide operations. The integrated pilothouse is arranged for increased visibility and features the latest technology in navigation and communication equipment.  All three (3) vessels are ABS classed, A1, AMS,  ACCU, Circle E, Enviro +, Offshore Support Vessel and certified under SOLAS.  ABS class is to include DPS-2 notation and FIFI 1.

The Sisuag immediately started a long-term contract in Alaska. Several upgrades to specific systems were accomplished to facilitate operations in Alaskan’s cold weather conditions, including heating enhancements, window heaters, added steel plating to the hull for operation in ice conditions, and hardened electronics for harsh weather operations, including temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Harvey Gulf has also ordered a 302-foot construction vessel-offshore supply vessel from Eastern, the Harvey Deep Sea, which will be ABS-classed, similar to the SISAUQ, but with FIFI 2. It will be equipped with an active heave-compensated 165-ton knuckle boom crane, capable of lifting or setting 100 tons at depths up to 10,000 feet. The Harvey Deep Sea is scheduled for delivery in May, 2013.