Jackson Offshore Operators LLC (JOO) announced that it expanded its platform supply vessel (PSV) fleet with the acquisition of the 260' Storm. Once it has completed regulatory requirements, the Storm will begin a five-year contract with Shell in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
Built in 2015, the Storm is an MMC-879-designed PSV, DP 2, and diesel electric propulsion. The boat has a carrying capacity of 4,200 DWT. The vessel is expected to go into service immediately upon completion of a special drydocking survey.
“We’re thrilled to add the Storm to our fleet of platform supply vessels. We chose the name Storm for the new vessel because it represents our history in that, that name gave us our start,” Lee Jackson, president and CEO, said in a statement announcing the acquisition. “As our fleet grows, so does our ability to serve our customers with safe, reliable and efficient vessel services. This acquisition/contract is a direct result of the hard work that our entire team commits itself to each and every day.”
The Storm arrived at Bollinger Shipyards earlier this year to be refurbished, including the installation of new Z-drive azimuth thrusters. Bollinger also supported the recertification process and the requisite inspections of the vessel at its Fourchon and Amelia facilities in Louisiana.
“Shell continues to make investments in lower carbon deepwater oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico and the communities that service this vital industry, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida,” said Shona Mathie, Shell general manager, supply chain, Deep Water Americas. “It is exciting and fitting to see Jackson Offshore launch the Storm to highlight this continued investment in this industry and region, and we are happy to see her come in to service our fleet.”
Financing for the acquisition of Storm was provided by Third Coast Bank of Houston.
“The christening of the Storm is an important milestone,” said Ben Bordelon, president and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “Not two months ago, Hurricane Ida made landfall right here in Fourchon, wreaking havoc on this community. To be able to deliver a vessel that meets the high safety and quality standards of both Jackson and Shell so soon after the storm is a true testament to the resiliency and commitment of our team.”
