First lightering support vessel joins AET
'AET Innovator', is designed and built to streamline ship-to-ship transfers in the US Gulf
What is claimed to be the first purpose-built lightering support vessel (LSV) has joined the AET Offshore fleet. ‘AET Innovator’ is intended to streamline ship-to-ship fuel transfers in the US Gulf.
The new craft was designed by Elliott Bay Design Group of Seattle and built by Leevac Industries in Louisiana. It was formally named at AET Offshore Service’s headquarters in Galveston, Texas on 6 October 2011. The vessel is the first of four sister craft to be built and delivered into the AET Offshore fleet, replacing older tonnage.
The LSVs measure 56m x 14m x 4.6m and estimated lightship weight is 1,670 tonnes. Main propulsion is two Caterpillar 3512Cs each rated 1,400bhp, driving 2m dia x 1.9m pitch propellers. For improved manoeuvrability, each is fitted with Becker high-lift rudders and 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 vessel’s 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.
Images for this article - click to enlarge
Unless otherwise stated, all images copyright © Mercator Media 2012. This does not exclude the owner's assertion of copyright over the material.
