Hvide Shipping Requests Bids From 14 U.S. Shipyards For Tanker Reconstruction

Hvide Shipping, Inc., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., recently announced that it has requested bids for the construction of a 41,000-dwt U.S.-fiag chemical tanker, the M/V Seabuik America, from 14 major U.S. shipyards.

The construction would involve the rebuilding of the wrecked tanker M/V Fuji, utilizing the forebody of the Barge 4102 (the Oxy Producer, built by Avondale Shipyards in 1981). Reconstruction work necessary to bring the M/V Fuji up to first class U.S.-flag standards will be accomplished, including all new crews' quarters, unattended engine room, and up-to-date electronics systems. Major modifications to the barge's existing cargo systems will result in a state-of-the-art U.S.-flag chemical tanker offering capability of transporting a wide variety of products.

According to Hvide Shipping, after reconstruction, the Seabuik America will have an overall length of 685 feet, maximum molded beam of 99 feet and design draft of 36 feet 6 inches. She will be powered by a Mitsubishi-built Sulzer 7RND68 diesel engine, rated at 11,550 at 150 rpm.

With her cargo tank area subdivided into 18 tanks (including three for slops), the Seabuik America will have a capacity of 137,000 barrels in her stainless steel center cargo tanks and an additional 161,000 barrels of capacity in her inorganic zinccoated wing tanks. Each tank will be served by its own hydraulically operated cargo pump and line, thereby enabling the vessel to carry virtually any liquid petroleum or chemical cargo. Her cargo-handling equipment will include Frank Mohn (Framo) deepwell hydraulic pumps.

To be classed by the American Bureau of Shipping, 1 E "Chemical Carrier," "Oil Carrier" and MS, ACCU, the Seabuik America will be manned by a complement of 18. The design of the vessel has been developed in coordination with C.R. Cushing & Co., Inc., naval architects and marine engineers, New York, N.Y., with delivery of the reconstructed vessel scheduled for the latter part of this year.

Hvide Shipping believes that the Seabuik America construction work is the first commercial tanker order placed with a U.S. shipyard since 1984. Hvide expects that the completed Seabuik America will be eligible for Jones Act trading privileges under the provisions of the wrecked vessel statute.

J. Erik Hvide, president and chief operating officer of Hvide Shipping, stated that the Seabuik America would join Hvide's Seabuik Magnachem in transporting a wide variety of chemicals in the U.S.

coastwise trade. Hvide's affiliate, Seabuik Ocean Systems Corporation, Houston, Texas, will utilize the Seabuik America and Seabuik Magnachem and other chartered tonnage.

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 48, Apr 1989

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