Halter Lays Keel for U.S. Army’s Newest ELSV
HMI, a division of Friede Goldman Halter, Inc. laid the keel of the U.S. Army’s Tank and Automotive Command (TACOM) new Enhanced Logistic Vessel (ELSV). The vessel will support TACOM logistical efforts on a worldwide basis. The completed vessels will be 314 ft. long, have a 60 ft. beam and an overall depth of 19ft. The construction will take about two years to complete. Halter has previously built for the U.S. Army 6 Logistic Support Vessels, 6 large tugs and 35 LCU-2000 class landing craft utilities. Anil Raj, Chief Operating Officer of FGH said, “Halter has designed and built all of the U.S. Army’s LSVs – this being number seven. Two additional LSV’s have been built previously for the Philippine Navy. We value the trust and confidence that the Army has placed in Halter’s team.
Christenings & Deliveries
Trico Marine Services, Inc., has taken delivery on the Northern Canyon, a 279-ft. UT 745 design platform supply vessel (PSV). The state-of-the-art vessel is designed to serve deepwater markets worldwide. Built in Norway, the Northern Canyon is equipped with a DP2 (dynamic positioning) system and is among the largest, most technologically advanced PSVs available in the industry. The vessel, which will be deployed initially in the North Sea, is quipped as a remotely operated vehicle vessel to perform subsea construction work globally. It has been awarded a three-year contract by Canyon-Offshore, Inc. Trico is scheduled to take delivery of a second 279-ft. PSV in September 2002. It also expects to take delivery of three new generation 155-ft.
Friede Goldman Halter Announces Contract and Options Worth Up to $78 M
Halter Marine, Inc., the vessels segment of Friede Goldman Halter, Inc., has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command (TACOM) for the detailed design and construction of a Logistic Support Vessel (LSV). The contract includes provisions for spare parts, technical services, and options to build two additional LSVs. The total value of the base contract is $26.9 million, and could be worth upwards of $78 million once the options are exercised. Engineering and construction at the Company's Halter Moss Point shipyard in Escatawpa, MS are scheduled to take about two years to complete. This project is expected to create approximately 75 new jobs at that yard. The 313-ft. (95.4 m) LSV class vessels will have a beam of 60 ft. (18.2 m) and a molded depth of 19 ft.
Local Yards Start to Feel the Impact
The U.S. Gulf of Mexico region is again poised to prosper, spurred by the buzz of activity surrounding the oil patch, and specifically the renewed vigor with which companies will explore and develop deepwater fields for the production of natural resources. Though the resumption of business at "full throttle" has taken perhaps a bit longer than many observers would have initially predicted, particularly given the continued high price of oil and gas and the "pro" oil industry political team occupying the White House, it is a safe bet that, at least for the next several years, the offshore oil business will ensure that the marine business in the GOM region is a prosperous one.
