Americas News
LNG PSV to be Cleanest Burning Vessel in the Gulf of Mexico
Wärtsilä Corporation (Wärtsilä) says it has received a contract for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion system for a new offshore support vessel that will operate in offshore oilfields in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
Harvey Gulf International Marine (Harvey Gulf) ordered the vessel, which is designed by STX Marine Inc., as part of its "going green" initiative.
Wärtsilä has already supplied propulsion technology for four Harvey Gulf ships, including the first ever U.S. flagged LNG-powered platform support vessels (PSVs), ordered in October 2011.
"These PSVs will be the cleanest burning vessels operating in the Gulf of Mexico," said Chad Verret, senior vice president of Harvey Gulf.
"Many permits for the eastern Gulf of Mexico already demand that operators use the best available capture technology with regard to particulates.
"In my opinion, the best available particulate matter capture technology is not to have any to start with, and that's what burning LNG gives you."
Wärtsilä has argued the LNG offers the best value for shipowners trying to comply with new emissions regulations.
The company is supplying technology for a number of LNG-powered supply vessels, including a recently announced deal for a PSV to be used in the Martin Linge oilfield in Norway.
