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Writer's pictureSarah Whiteford

DP newbuilds, Harvey Gulf Navy contract, Texas offshore wind

It’s Good News Monday!



This Monday we talk about:

  1. Offshore wind projects drive leap in DP vessel deliveries

  2. DSME Developing Rotor Sail System for Large Tankers and LNG Carriers

  3. Harvey Gulf construction vessel lands US$4M contract

  4. Report shows Texas has huge offshore wind potential



“DEME's SOV Groene Wind is a DP vessel for offshore wind turbine maintenance.” Image from: Riviera.


Since 2015, there has been a reduction in dynamically positioned newbuilds, but the market is seeing a serious rebound. Delivery of DP vessels has averaged about 150 vessels per year, with 120 in 2020. Due to the boom in offshore renewables, 350 DP vessels are expected to be delivered in 2021, excluding passenger vessels with no classification. According to Riviera, “The majority, 68%, were classed as DP2 platform supply vessels or anchor handling tugs.” Hybrid propulsion is increasing as well, with 51 of those ships being battery hybrid. With hybrid vessels able to provide higher peak load and fuel savings, we expect to see the number of DP vessels continue to grow.





“Maersk Pelican with Norsepower Rotor Sails installed. Image via Marsk Tankers”. Image from: gCaptain.


Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) has received Approval in Principle for their tilting rotor sail wind propulsion system for use on ultra-large crude oil and LNG ships. Norsepower has led the charge on rotor sails, installing their system on vessels. DSME is now producing their own system, estimating a fuel savings of about 5%.





“Harvey Deep Sea will go to work for the US Navy in the US Gulf of Mexico (source: HGIM)”. Image from Riviera.


Light construction vessel Harvey Deep-Sea will provide remotely operated vehicle (ROV) support for the United States Navy in the Gulf of Mexico. It has a 5.5 by 4.5 meter moonpool and two launch and recovery locations for ROVs. Harvey Deep-Sea is a DP2 dynamically positioned vessel with a diesel electric drivetrain and 165 ton subsea crane capable of lifts at 3,000 meter depths.





“The NREL says offshore wind in the Gulf of Mexico will be economical without subsidies by the early 2030s, possibly sooner”. Image from: Riviera.


The East Coast has been getting a lot of attention lately for all the planned offshore wind farms, but a new study shows the Gulf of Mexico may be the next hot area. According to the Environment Texas Research & Policy Center, 166% of Texas’s power needs could be met with offshore wind. Port Arthur and Port Isabel are the first two areas being examined for potential installations by the federal government. Luke Metzger, Executive Director of the Environment Texas Research & Policy Center, said: “With strong winds in the evenings when we need energy the most, offshore wind in the Gulf of Mexico would complement Texas’ onshore renewable energy resources and help us achieve 100% clean power.” Infrastructure for oil and gas drilling could be put to use to help build these wind farms. One potential project is a 600 MW build off Port Arthur that would produce about 4,470 jobs and $445M in GDP, along with 150 jobs and $14M ongoing.



Smile, it’s Good News Monday! :-)


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