Page 45: of Maritime Logistics Professional Magazine (Q3 2012)

OFFSHORE ENERGYroom instead of double wall piping ? but they chose not to. As the project moved forward, it was clear that it would be unlike anything that had come before it. Gaughan neatly summed up the process, adding, ?Since this was the  rst LNG powered vessel built for operation in the US, Harvey Gulf wanted to have the design and engineering completed up front. This has been a case of having all the major parties sit- ting together at the table during multiple meetings to resolve technical issues as a team.? Cutting Edge DesignMany variables for these vessels had to be considered, in- cluding the extra weight involved, more space required for the bunker arrangements, special handling requirements for LNG and the positioning of the bunker tanks themselves. To that end, STX introduced its (patent pending) design which Carroll characterizes as ?the functional arrangement of a dual fuel OSV.? He added, ?The engine meets the latest IMO EPA requirements, but the most important thing is the integration of the LNG system and deciding how that system is most ef ciently arranged within the ship. It is not an overly com- Wärtsilä was awarded a contract to deliver integrated propul- sion systems for LNG offshore support vessels (OSV) to Harvey Gulf International Marine. The integrated system includes dual-fuel machinery, electrical and automation package, complete propulsion, and also the LNG fuel storage and gas conditioning system.??Five to ten years from now, we won?t be having conversations about the availability of LNG. It will not be an issue. Availability will be there, especially given the variety of projects going on, across different vessel types. The level of interest and activity would certainly suggest that the distribution system in the United States will be in place. Jim Gaughan, Director of Technology and Business Development on Marine side of ABS www.maritimeprofessional.com | Maritime Professional | 45