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An illustration of the 400 class Multi-Purpose Support Vessels (MPSVs). Image courtesy Hornbeck Offshore via Eastern Shipbuilding

An illustration of the 400 class Multi-Purpose Support Vessels (MPSVs). Image courtesy Hornbeck Offshore via Eastern Shipbuilding

Eastern Shipbuilding to Complete Construction of High-Spec Offshore Vessels for Hornbeck

Mike Schuler
Total Views: 2829
January 3, 2024

Eastern Shipbuilding Group has announced a contract to complete the construction of two ultra high-spec 400 class Multi-Purpose Support Vessels (MPSVs) for Hornbeck Offshore Services (HOS).

Hornbeck originally ordered the vessels from Gulf Island Shipyards, a subsidiary of Gulf Island Fabrication (GIF), more than ten years ago.

However, in 2018, Hornbeck sought to cancel the contracts due to alleged performance issues at the yard, leading to a lawsuit that was only recently resolved this past October. The resolution of the lawsuit coincided with Gulf Island Fabrication’s agreement to sell the MPSVs to Zurich American Insurance Company, which ultimately awarded the contract to Eastern Shipbuilding.

The vessels will be completed at Eastern’s shipbuilding facilities in Allanton and Port St. Joe, Florida, with an expected delivery date set for 2025.

Eastern Shipbuilding’s announcement said that it has rescued several faltering programs throughout its history.

“We are delighted to be entrusted with the completion of these highly capable vessels for our esteemed partners at Hornbeck. Our experienced shipbuilding team is poised to timely deliver these critical MPSVs to the market,” said Joey D’Isernia, Chairman and CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.

The two ultra high-spec MPSVs, named HOS Warhorse and HOS Wild Horse, will join the U.S.-flagged fleet. The vessels will be equipped with cutting-edge features such as two large, heave-compensated cranes, two Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), a spacious moonpool, and accommodations for 102 personnel.

In addition to this project, Eastern Shipbuilding Group is also leading the way in the conversion of the first-of-its-kind Service Operation Vessel (SOV) for HOS, named the HOS Rocinante. The vessel will serve the emerging demand of the U.S. offshore wind market as well as the ongoing demand of the petro-energy flotel market, and is scheduled for delivery in the spring of 2025.

“Eastern Shipbuilding Group looks forward to achieving yet another milestone in delivering top-notch maritime solutions and reinforcing its commitment to innovation and excellence in shipbuilding,” the company said.

In 2021, GIF sold its shipyard facilities to Bollinger Shipyards.

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