According to Marine Log, Eastern Shipbuilding Group in Panama City, Fla., is progressing with the conversion of the HOS Rocinante, a 280-foot offshore supply vessel (OSV), into a battery-hybrid service operation vessel (SOV) for Hornbeck Offshore Services. This transformation will create a U.S.-flag, Jones Act compliant vessel tailored to support both offshore wind and petro-energy markets, highlighting the shipyard’s commitment to innovation and the U.S. offshore wind industry’s needs.
Hybrid Power System Integration
The conversion includes the enhancement of the existing diesel-electric power plant with a 1,500 kW-hour battery hybrid power system. This upgrade is aimed at reducing emissions during offshore operations and harbor transits, aligning with industry demands for greener marine technologies.
Advanced Design Collaboration with Vard Marine
Designed in collaboration with Vard Marine, the SOV will incorporate features essential for offshore wind services, such as safe, stepless walk-to-work transfers in sea states up to 2.5 meters. It will include a motion-compensated offshore gangway, a 10-ton 3D-compensated crane, a helideck, enclosed warehouse, and stepless boat landing, making it well-suited for both construction and O&M activities.
Enhanced Comfort and Accommodation Standards
The HOS Rocinante will accommodate up to 90 persons, with accommodations constructed to meet ABS Comfort Class habitability standards. The vessel will offer amenities typical of newbuild SOVs, providing enhanced living and working conditions, crucial for long-term offshore operations.
This conversion project underscores Eastern Shipbuilding’s role in pioneering vessel transformations that meet the evolving needs of the offshore wind industry.
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Source: Marine Log
