Harvey Gulf International Launches First LNG-powered OSV for Shell

Harvey Gulf International Marine’s first LNG-powered OSV entered into service this month, which marks the beginning of operations for the first North American vessel to run entirely on natural gas.

The vessel, the MV Harvey Energy started its charter for Shell’s deep water operation in the Gulf of Mexico on March 5^th. It will be used to carry supplies to Shell’s assets in the area, like the new Olympus platform.

Said John Hollowell, Executive Vice President of Deep Water for Shell Upstream Americas, “Shell is delighted to be the customer of this innovative vessel. It is a pleasure to partner with Harvey Gulf on this pioneering project. Shell’s investment underlines our confidence in LNG becoming a bigger part of the global fuel mix.”

The MV Harvey is 302-feet long, and was built at Gulf Coast Shipyard in Mississippi. It operates on three, dual-fuel Wartsila engines and will run on 99 percent LNG fuel. The vessel can operate for approximately seven days without refueling, and will load from Harvey Gulf’s LNG bunkering facility, the first facility of its kind in the United States. The facility is located in Harvey Gulf’s terminal at Port Fourchon. Two more LNG vessel will follow the MV Harvey.

According to Christian Buelow, General Manager of Downstream LNG Americas, “I’m pleased to see this first-of-its-kind vessel operating in North America. Shell continues to look in to the commercial opportunity of supplying LNG fuel to customers in the region – both marine and road transport customers.”

CEO and Chairman of Harvey Gulf Internationa, Shane Guidry, stated that “Harvey Gulf is excited to share these historical maritime events with Shell, The ‘Harvey Energy’ and her sister ships exemplify Harvey Gulf’s commitment to Shell and our customers to bring the best available environmentally friendly technology to the market. We understand the environmental regulatory issues facing our customers and this new build program’s focus has been to work closely with them to address and mitigate these issues.”

All of Harvey Gulf’s LNG vessels meet the very strict requirements of the ABS “ENVIRO+, Green Passport” notation, which makes them the most environmentally sound OSV’s currently operating in the Gulf of Mexico.They use primarily LNG as fuel, but also high-efficiency Gadinia 40 as engine oil.