Hornbeck Offshore Services Inc. of Mandeville La. delivered its first Classed DP II PSV, HOS Innovator, for service. Leevac Industries of Jennings, La. constructed the vessel to Hornbeck's design. Upon delivery, the vessel began a three-year charter with Sonsub Inc. of Houston, Texas as a multi functional ROV Support Vessel.
Measuring 240 x 54 x 18 ft. (73.1 x 16.4 x 5.4 m), this vessel is the first of six DP II classed vessels to be delivered to Hornbeck Offshore during the next eight months. The latest of the HOS "New Breed" has been uniquely engineered to offer numerous advantages over existing tonnage in the U.S flag fleet. The unique hull form assists in making the Innovator a very DP capable and fuel-efficient vessel. Passive roll reduction technology, as well as active stabilization, has been integrated into this vessel. The vessel was certified to both USCG subchapter L (OSV) and I (Industrial Service) and is fully SOLAS for international operation.
Two Caterpillar 3516 B main engines produce 4,520 brake horsepower. The mains drive two 96-in. Scana Volda controllable pitch propellers. Three controllable pitch tunnel thrusters (two forward and one aft) are provided by Brunvoll and produce 800 bhp each. Two Schilling "Fishtail" rudders, which may be operated independently, provide superior maneuverability and vessel control.
With design improvements over vessels of the past, the "New Breed" design offers optimum deck space and load capabilities. The clear deck space area for cargo loading is 8,100 square feet and has a cargo capacity of 1,900 long tons, which is handled on a deck that is rated for five tons.
The below decks have also been engineered for maximum loading capabilities. The liquid mud tanks are set up to carry three products without cross contamination. Available liquid mud capacity is 6,450 bbls. HOS Innovator can carry 135,000 gallons of fuel and 320,000 gallons of water. Six dry bulk tanks can carry 8,400 cu. ft. of product.
Navigation equipment includes the IVCS 2000 DP system provided by Frank L Beier Radio Inc. Five more of these units have been slated for installation on the remaining HOS vessels under construction. The electronics suite selected by Hornbeck Offshore and installed by Beier offer the crew state-of-the-art tools needed to operate safely and efficiently. Other advanced technologies in this suite include radars providing real-time chart plotting software and touch-screen monitoring systems.