Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, La., delivered the Grand Slam, owned by Rigdon Marine. Grand Slam is the fourth of the 10-series GPA 654 Platform Support Vessels. The design of the DP2- and FFV1-certified GPA 654s, measuring 58 m in overall length, incorporates greater operating efficiency compared to similar sized vessels, increased cargo capacities resulting from locating propulsion generators to above main deck, as well as reduced construction cost due to simplified construction methods.
Destined to serve deepwater offshore operations, the GPA 654 PSVs are capable of carrying 144 cu. m. of bulk material and 652 cu. m. of liquid mud in self-cleaning oval tanks. As a result of the vessel’s diesel-electric propulsion configuration, fuel efficiency is increased, thus resulting in cost savings, lower emissions and higher reliability. The vessels are equipped with one 435 kW main and two 1,235 kW diesel generators, one 843 kW fixed and two 843 kW azimuthing L-Drives, two 560 kW bow tunnel thrusters, as well as one 113 kW emergency generator. The GPA 654 PSV is currently the smallest of the GPA Platform Support Vessel series, which ranges in size from 58 to 92 m in length. With 24 of GPA’s PSV designs currently serving the offshore industry and an additional 102 vessels entering service within the next two years, GPA has established its position as the worldwide leader in naval architectural design of Next Generation Platform Support Vessels.