Third LNG-Powered Offshore Supply Vessel Arrives in Gulf of Mexico

Harvey Liberty. Credit: Shell/Harvey Gulf International

The third LNG-powered offshore supply vessel to hit the Gulf of Mexico was delivered Tuesday in Port Fourchon, Louisiana and is now ready to enter service in support of Shell’s deepwater operations.

The vessel, named Harvey Liberty, is chartered from marine services company Harvey Gulf International Marine and will join sister ships Harvey Energy and Harvey Power. The vessel is third in a series of six U.S.-flagged offshore supply vessels to be powered almost entirely by liquified natural gas.

“The Harvey Liberty runs on 99% LNG fuel and can operate for up to 15 days before refueling,” Shell and Harvey Gulf said in a joint statement announcing Harvey Liberty’s delivery. “The LNG powered vessels provide vessel owners an alternative fuel to meet sulphur and nitrogen oxide emissions regulations in the North American Emission Control Area (ECA).”

The Harvey Liberty measures 302 feet long and operates on three dual-fuel Wärtsilä engines. It will load from Harvey Gulf’s new LNG bunkering facility in Port Fourchon, the first such facility in North America, where it will support Shell’s platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, transporting supplies, equipment, and drilling fluids.

The Harvey Liberty along with its sister vessels were built by the Gulf Coast Shipyard in Mississippi. All three vessels meet the stringent requirements of the ABS “ENVIRO+, Green Passport” notation, making them some of the most environmentally friendly Offshore Supply Vessels in Gulf of Mexico.

“This is an important milestone for Shell and Harvey Gulf,” said Tahir Faruqui, Shell’s General Manager LNG North America. “The Harvey Liberty highlights our efforts to grow LNG as a fuel in the transport sector, and is a welcome addition to our portfolio.”

Harvey Gulf International Marine’s CEO and Chairman, Shane Guidry, added: “Harvey Gulf is excited to share these historical maritime events with Shell. This represents another significant step in the path for Harvey Gulf to establish itself as a leader in utilizing LNG as a marine fuel.”