SMI: Diverse Job Load Keeps Morgan City Yard Busy

Service Marine Industries (SMI), based in Morgan City, La., has enjoyed the work swell produced by the still-growing oilfield business. Recently, Offshore Marine Service entrusted SMI with the conversion and refurbishment of MTV Louis Eymard. Once a supply vessel used for towing, the vessel will be cut in half and extended 20 ft. (6.1 m) with the addition of a midbody section, leading to its reclassification as a USCG Subchapter L supply boat for loadlined vessels. The boat will measure 185 ft.

(56.4 m) when complete, and will be outfitted with a larger bowthruster for increased maneuverability. "We have completed numerous conversions of this size and scale on offshore supply and multi-purpose vessels," said Ronnie Chiasson, SMI vice president and Repair Division manager. The lengthened Louis Emyard is to be used as an offshore supply vessel. SMI also won a contract from Oceaneering Intl. to design and build a 243-ft. (74-m), 4,000- hp multi-service vessel. The contract — which includes an option for a second vessel — is significant because it is the first newbuild ordered in the company's history.

The MSV will be classed to ABS DP-2 (double redundant). In addition, it will SOLAS and ABS classed for unrestricted ocean service, and equipped with a fully integrated GMDSS for area A3 operation. The vessel will sport a 6,000-sq.-ft. aft deck will be able to accommodate a cargo deck load of 1,200 long tons.

Finally, SMI signed a contract with Kim Susan Inc. to build a 210-ft. (64-m) offshore supply vessel. Having sold its fleet to Trico last year, Kim Susan now plans to rebuild its fleet, starting with the SMI newbuilding. The vessel will be powered by two EMD Model L-16-645- E6 marine engines, rated 1,950 bhp at 900 rpm. For more information from Service Marine Circle 94 on Reader Service Card