Shell contracts first LNG-fuelled supply vessel for deepwater Gulf of Mexico

HOUSTON -- Shell has taken delivery of the first LNG-fuelled offshore supply vessel for its deepwater 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 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and diesel.  Two more LNG-fuelled vessels are expected to follow. LNG fuel is a new alternative for vessel operators in the Gulf of Mexico responding to new sulphur and nitrogen oxide emissions regulations, as part of the North American Emission Control Area (ECA).

The Harvey Energy is 302-ft long and operates on three dual-fuel Wärtsilä engines. It will run on 99% 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. From there the Harvey Energy will go to Shell’s platforms, such as the new Olympus production platform, bringing equipment and drilling fluids.