Eastern Shipbuilding to convert the PSV into the dual service floatel and service operation vessel

Florida-based US shipbuilder and repairer Eastern Shipbuilding Group is soon to start the USD 100 million conversion of the 4,466dwt 2013-built PSV HOS Rosebud into the dual-service floatel and service operation (SOV) vessel HOS Rocinante, for US offshore oil and gas operator Hornbeck Offshore Services (HOS), based in Covington, Louisiana.

The converted vessel, of designated type HOSSOV 300E, is expected to be delivered by the spring 2025 and will meet the requirements of the US’s Jones Act.

Hornbeck Offshore had contemplated a newbuilding for this vessel, but decided to go down the path of a major conversion due to the latter being the cheaper option - USD 100 against USD 170 million - and the much quicker delivery time for the conversion.

The newly converted HOS Rocinante will support offshore wind farm construction projects, as well as providing support for operation and maintenance work and acting as a floatel, with accommodation for 90 persons. 

As HOS Rosebud, the vessel was originally designed by Norway’s VARD and this company has also been heavily involved in the design of the conversion project.

The workscope of the conversion project will see the vessel fitted with a 1,500kWh battery pack, a 30m long motion compensated gangway for “walk to work” transfer operations, a 10-ton capacity deck crane, helideck, step-free boat landing and an enclosed warehouse.

All conversion work is being carried out to ABS’ “Comfort Class” notation.

Meanwhile, the end of 2023 saw Eastern Shipbuilding Group awarded with another major contract by HOS, this time the completion of the two large multi-purpose support vessels (MPSVs) HOS Warhorse and HOS Wild Horse.

Work started on both vessels in 2018 at Gulf Island Shipyard’s facility in Houma, Louisiana. However, HOS cancelled the newbuilding contract, citing “performance issue,” with the two ultra-high specification vessels, known as the 200-class. A legal dispute between the shipyard and the owner then ensued and was only resolved when both parties settled in October last year, which allowed HOS to find another shipyard to complete the 6,365dwt vessels.

Both HOS Warhorse and HOS Wild Horse will be drydocked before being towed to Eastern’s yards in Allanton and Port St. Joe, Florida for completion.  The lead vessel is due in Florida during the first quarter of 2024.

The structure of both vessels has been mostly completed, with Eastern now contracted to complete the duo, fitting the mechanical and electrical outfitting work required. The scope of work in the two MPSVs includes fitting each vessel with two large heave compensated deck cranes, two ROVs, a spacious moonpool, and accommodation for 102 persons.

Completion of both vessels is expected during 2025.