On Sept. 9, 2014, Eastern Shipbuilding Group delivered the Bravante VIII (Hull 158) to Boldini S.A., Bravante Group of Brazil. The Bravante VII (Hull 157), the third in the series, was delivered three months earlier and is currently on charter in Brazil.
The 284’x 60’x 24’-6” Bravante VIII is the fourth Vard SV290 design of five vessels in a series which are all, ABS Classed, AC diesel-electric powered, twin Z-drive propelled PSV’s. These vessels feature four Cummins QSK-60DM 16-cylinder turbo-charged IMO Tier 2 diesel generator engines each rated at 1825 kW at 1,800 rpm. Cummins also furnished the four marathon model 744 690VAC main generators. Main propulsion power is provided by two 690VAC electric motors driving two Schottel combi-drives SCD 2020 single fixed pitch propellers with nozzles rated at 2,500 kW at 750 rpm each for a total of 6,700 hp. Schottel also provides two STT 4 fixed pitch reversing tunnel thrusters rated at 1,180 kW at 1,170 rpm, each with direct coupled Hyundai 690VAC electric motors. GE Energy provides the complete system integrated diesel electric package, including the thruster drives, motors, control systems, DP system, switchboards, motor control centers, automation and navigation/communication electronics. These vessels are capable of a maximum speed of over 13 knots with a cruising speed of 12 knots. The fully integrated bridge is arranged for increased visibility and features the latest technology in navigation, communication equipment.
The BRAVANTE VIII platform supply vessel features:
Regulatory: Marshall Islands, ABS A-1, SOLAS/IMO
Power generation: GE Energy Power Conversions: DE 690VAC
Generators: Cummins QSK60DM IMO II: 4 x 1825kW
Propulsion: Schottel SCD 2020 FP Z-Drives: 2 x 2,500kW
Bow thrusters: Schottel STT4: 2 x 1,180kW
Sleeping accommodations: (4) four man staterooms, (5) two man staterooms, (3) one man staterooms
Deadweight: 4,500 LT
Cargo fuel oil capacity: 442,675 USG (1,600m3)
Fuel oil day-tanks 62,608 USG (237m3)
Potable water capacity: 26,575 USG (100.6)
Drill water/Ballast capacity: 513,550 USG (1,944m3)
Brine/Additional drill water capacity: 5,030 bbls. (800m3)
Liquid mud/Fuel oil capacity: 5,030 bbls. (800m3)
Dry-bulk mud: 8,631 cu. ft. (244m3)
Clear deck area: 9,365 sq. ft. (870m2)
Firefighting vessel: ABS?FFV-1, 2x5284 GPM Monitors w/Deluge System
Starting with the Bravante VI including the Bravante VII and the final vessel all will feature the added Class notation ABS FFV-1. All five vessels contracted are Marshall Islands Flag, IMO/SOLAS, ABS Classed A1, Offshore Support Vessel Ocean Service, Loadline, AMS, ACCU, Circle E, with additional ABS Class notations UWILD, ENVIRO, DPS-2.
Earlier this month, Eastern Shipbuilding Group announced the delivery of the Kimberly Hidalgo to Florida Marine Transporters and the christening and launch of the Bravante IX for Boldini S.A., Bravante Group of Brazil.
The Kimberly Hidalgo (Hull 188) was delivered Aug. 28 to Florida Marine Transporters, Mandeville, La. The 90'x32'x10' inland towboat was constructed from the design furnished by Gilbert Associates of Boston.
In January 2013, Florida Marine Transporters, Inc. exercised options for five additional 90’x32’x10’ inland towboats. In May 2014, the second of the five option towboats, the James Dale Robin was delivered to Florida Marine. On Aug. 5, 2014, Florida Marine Transporters signed the sixth vessel, bringing the total to 61 vessels contracted.
The three vessels recently delivered are in a series with EPA Tier 3 main propulsion engines and generators delivered to Florida Marine. The vessel is powered by two Caterpillar 3512C Tier 3 diesel engines rated at 1,500 hp at 1,600 rpm provided by Louisiana Power Systems. The reduction gears are direct coupled Twin-Disc Model MG- 5600 with a 6.04:1 reduction supplied by Stewart Supply, Harvey, La. Electrical power is provided by two 99kW John Deere 4045AFM85 99KW Tier 3 generator sets rated for 60 Hz, at 208 VAC provided by Kennedy Engine Company, Biloxi, Miss. These diesel engines comply with the current EPA Tier 3/MARPOL control of emissions of nitrogen oxides from marine diesel engines.
The Bravante IX was launched on Aug. 28 at Eastern’s Nelson Street Facility. It is the fifth and final vessel launched in the Bravante Platform Supply Vessel Series. The Bravante V was the first PSV delivered in November of 2013. The Bravante IX is scheduled for delivery in January of 2016. The five vessel contract was accomplished in part, by a $241 million Department of Transportation Title XI loan guarantee from Marad.
The Bravante IX is ABS A-1, SOLAS/IMO, FFV-1, DPS-2, AC diesel-electric powered, twin propulsion PSV. These vessels feature four Cummins 16-cylinder turbo-charged IMO Tier 2 diesel generator engines each rated at 1825 kW at 1,800 rpm. Cummins also furnished the four Marathon Model 744 690VAC main generators. Main propulsion power is provided by two 690VAC electric motors driving two Schottel combi-drives single fixed pitch propellers with nozzles rated at 2,500 kW at 750 rpm each for a total of 6,700 hp. Schottel also provides two STT 4 fixed pitch reversing tunnel thrusters rated at 1,180 kW at 1,170 rpm, each with direct coupled Hyundai 690VAC electric motors. GE Energy Power Conversion provides the complete system integrated diesel-electric package, including the thruster drives, motors, control systems, DP system, switchboards, motor control centers, automation and navigation/ communication electronics. These vessels are capable of a maximum speed of 14 knots with a cruising speed of 12 knots.
