Cummins Auxiliaries for New Offshore Vessel

Reliable auxiliary power is as important to a modern offshore vessel as are the main propulsion engines. Ample and reliable electrical power is essential to the basic support systems from the galley appliances to the wheelhouse navigational devices. The Ms. Charlotte, recently delivered to Edison Chouest by Bollinger Shipyards of Lockport, Louisiana, is a powerful demonstration of this. Designated a 300 Class Deep Water Support Vessel, the ship has a pair of GE 3,125 hp 8L250 main propulsion engines.

The vessel has extensive electrical requirements, including cargo pumps and dual bow and stern thrusters for the Dynamic Positioning 2 system. To meet these requirements and to provide redundancy, the Ms. Charlotte is fitted with two Cummins QSK19-powered 525-kW generator sets and two Stamford PM734F 1500 kW shaft generators. To meet SOLAS requirements there is also a Cummins 6CTA8.3-DM powered 175 kW emergency generator set.

Originally built by Bollinger for their Bee Mar subsidiary, the Ms. Charlotte was one of seven vessels transferred to Edison Chouest when that firm purchased the Bee Mar fleet.