Eastern Shipbuilding launches new MPSV for Hornbeck

Eastern Shipbuilding has launched its new multi-purpose service vessel (MPSV) being built for Hornbeck Offshore Services, Hos Wooland.

Launched at Eastern's Allanton facility, the new vessel represents the second of two MPSVs launched with the Hornbeck designation HOSMPSV 310ES. The first vessel, the Hos Warland, was launched in March.

Hornbeck Offshore Services HOS MPSV and specialty fleet operations vice-president Randy Tredinich said: "I now have no doubt that the new standard of best in class has been reset by Eastern Shipbuilding and the workers of Eastern.

"This is something you should be recognised for and certainly something to be very proud of."

The US flagged and Jones Act-qualified MPSV's will feature 9,000kW of installed AC diesel electric power, twin azimuthing Z-drives and DPS-2 Multi-Purpose Service Vessels.

With ABS classed hull and machinery, the vessels are reviewed for the US Coast Guard under the Alternate Compliance Programme (ACP 2-95), SOLAS/IMO, ABS XA1, XAMS.

In addition, these vessels will be equipped with four Cat 3516C 16-cylinder turbo-charged EPA Tier 3/IMO II diesel generator engines, while main propulsion power will be supplied by two GE Energy furnished Hyundai 2,500kW 690VAC motors.

Features of the vessel also include accommodation with 73 berths, galley and mess areas, three-berth sick bay, a cinema/conference room with a capacity to house 18 people and a fully outfitted gym.

In February, Eastern Shipbuilding launched a new inland towboat design, the Thunderbolt, aimed at offering better efficiency, performance, manoeuvrability, crew comfort and capacity.

The new, 4,200hp Thunderbolt will be equipped with twin azimuthing Verhaar Omega electric V-Pod propulsion and diesel-electric technology.