JUNE 18, 2013 — Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc., Panama City, FL, has awarded Wärtsilä a contract to supply an integrated solution for the first of the three LNG fueled multipurpose support vessels(MPSV) it is building for Harvey Gulf International Marine, LLC (HGIM) of New Orleans. The Wärtsilä contract includes an option for the supply of equipment to the remaining two vessels of the series.

Wärtsilä's scope of supply includes the engines, a turnkey installation of the Wärtsilä Control & Communication Center (3C) integrated bridge, navigation, and communication control system, and the complete electrical and automation system. Wärtsilä has also been contracted to fully integrate the supplied systems and to interface them with other onboard systems. Wärtsilä will also be responsible for submission of the documentation required for classification society approvals.

Included in the comprehensive solution is a long-term service agreement. The five year service agreement covers six LNG fueled offshore supply vessels and up to three multipurpose support vessels, and includes all the Harvey Gulf vessels that have recently been fitted with Wärtsilä equipment.

The multi-purpose support vessel will operate in the offshore oil fields of the Gulf of Mexico, and will be owned and operated by Harvey Gulf. The ship is expected to be operational before the end of 2015. It will have the ABS Guide's Enviro + notation representing the vessel's compliance with the more stringent criteria for environmental protection.

"Harvey Gulf is very pleased to continue the relationship with Wärtsilä for the supply of their integrated solution for our first of its kind U.S. flag multi purpose support vessel," commented Shane Guidry, CEO of Harvey Gulf International Marine. "Wärtsilä has shown total commitment to the needs of Harvey Gulf by means of support during the initial design, construction, delivery and service agreements. Harvey Gulf looks forward to continuing this relationship on future endeavors."

"Wärtsilä is unparalleled in being a total solutions provider to the marine industry, and this important contract re-emphasizes this fact,"said Magnus Miemois, Vice President Wärtsilä Ship Power Solutions. "Our unique combination of product solutions, leading technologies, and global experience as a systems integrator enables us to optimize the operational, environmental and economic performance of the vessel."

Pete Jacobs, General Manager, Sales, Wärtsilä Ship Power added: "Wärtsilä is making a notable impact on the offshore market in the Gulf of Mexico through its commitment to the region, its leading technologies, the ability to supply fully integrated comprehensive solutions, and its readiness to support shipyards with engineering, installation and commissioning services."

Wärtsilä says it is committed to providing the infrastructure and service support for vessels operating in the offshore oil and gas fields of the Gulf of Mexico. It has stepped up its presence in the U.S. marine market by providing expanded scope and responsibilities to U.S. yards, including total system integrator role capability, site management, and site engineering support.