Shell Deploys First LNG Offshore Supply Vessel in Gulf of Mexico

On Thursday, Shell marked delivery of an LNG Offshore Supply Vessel for its deep water operations in the Gulf of Mexico. The vessel, chartered from specialist company Harvey Gulf International Marine, is the first of its kind in the region to run on both LNG and diesel. Two more LNG-fuelled vessels are expected to follow. The use of LNG fuel in the Gulf of Mexico is in response to new sulphur and nitrogen oxide emissions regulations, as part of the North American Emission Control Area (ECA). The Harvey Energy is 302 feet long and operates on three dual-fuel Wärtsilä engines. It will run on 99 percent LNG fuel and will be able to operate for around seven days before refueling. It will load from Harvey Gulf’s new LNG bunkering facility at their terminal at Port Fourchon. Port Fourchon is Louisiana’s southernmost port, with more than 600 oil and gas drilling rigs and platforms located within a 40-mile radius. From there the Harvey Energy will go to Shell’s platforms, such as the new Olympus production platform, bringing equipment and drilling fluids. For more information, contact Shell US at 713.241.4544.