USA: AET Receives World’s First Purpose-built LSV

Cementing its leadership position in the US Gulf lightering sector, international petroleum tanker owner-operator AET has accepted delivery of the world’s first purpose-built lightering support vessel (LSV).

The new craft, designed by Elliott Bay Design Group of Seattle and built by Leevac Industries in Louisiana was formally named at AET Offshore Service’s headquarters in Galveston, Texas on Thursday (6 October 2011). The vessel, named AET Innovator, is designed and built to streamline ship-to-ship transfers in the US Gulf and is the first of four sister craft to be built and delivered into the AET Offshore fleet.

Leading the project for AET, General Manager of AET Offshore, Bill Merritt said:

“Lightering has been conducted in the US Gulf since the 1980s but, until now, support has been provided by converted offshore supply vessels. Three years ago, AET decided to introduce a major improvement to the industry and began work on a new fleet of specialty lightering support vessels. These new ships provide a more stable and effective working platform for our lightering crews and are more manoeuvrable and able to handle less favourable weather conditions. This means that our lightering operations will become safer, more efficient and more flexible – which is good for our crews and good for our customers. It also means that we can provide a more comfortable life for our teams who spend 28 days onboard during a normal shift.”

The LSVs measure 185’ x 46’ x 15’ with an estimated lightship weight of 1,670 tonnes. For improved manoeuvrability and speed, each new boat is fitted with a Schottel STT 170 bowthruster, powered by a Caterpillar C-18 engine.

The LSVs are designed to be easily built and easily operated, featuring less piping, ballast and cargo tankage, and with the incorporation of high-lift rudders to improve steering. The vessels’ bow design features minimal flare and an inward-canted side shell (tumblehome) to optimise close-quarter manoeuvring and for ease and safety when working close-aboard tankers offshore. The LSVs are designed to carry more hoses and fenders and can stay out at sea longer. The vessels feature improved crew accommodation and have the ability to carry additional supplies.

Presiding over the naming ceremony for AET Innovator, AET President & CEO, Hor Weng Yew said:

“AET began its lightering operations in the US Gulf in the early 1990s and, today, we are proud to occupy a market leading position. We take our responsibilities extremely seriously and strive to provide the safest and most efficient lightering activities possible. That is why we took the decision to invest in this new fleet of purpose-built support vessels. They represent a step-change in how lightering is conducted in this region and will further our aim of delivering high quality, safe transfers with minimal impact on the natural environment.”

In addition to the naming ceremony, a new 7,600 square feet shore facility was commissioned providing offices, training facilities, workshops and storage for the AET Offshore operation in Galveston.

The new building and support vessels represent AET’s renewed commitment to the US Gulf lightering industry and also to the local community. AET Offshore continues to increase its workforce and currently employs around 125 people, the majority of whom hail from the Galveston and Houston area.

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Source: AET-Tankers, October 7, 2011