The new generation of OSV's--bigger boats, larger capacities, more power, high tech dynamic positioning systems--is partly a response to the demands of deepwater. But there's a strong undertow out there that says the shallow end of the Gulf is still alive and kicking. Even with all the newbuilds that came off the ways during the 1996-1999 building cycle, most over 200 ft with half over 220 ft, about 40 percent of the Gulf fleet is under 200 ft and more than 20 years old. And even with all the guts and glory, and a lot of cash, heading for deepwater, that long-standing shelf infrastructure, the existing wells and pipeline system, needs to be serviced.

As aging, low capacity utility boats/OSVs are taken out of service to be scrapped or cold-stacked, we're starting to see the arrival of some replacement tonnage boats. Ideally suited for shallow water, thanks to new design and technology, they're perfectly capable in deepwater too. Among yards right in the forefront of this activity is Bollinger Shipyards, which is busy building 145 ft OSVs--19 have been delivered in the past two years, with eight under construction and options to build two more, and three 166 footers under contract.

Three of the 145 ft vessels, destined for Lockport, Louisiana-based Bordelon Marine, will double the number of OSVs in that operators fleet.

"We're like David competing with a bunch of Goliaths," says Wes Bordelon, vice president of Bordelon Marine. "The quality of these vessels allows us to operate at the same level as the majors, while still being competitive in price."

While the size of Bollingers new generation OSVs might seem familiar to old Gulf hands who cut their eyeteeth on the 150 ft crew and utility boats of the late 60s and early 70s, the new boats are as to yesteryear's as a Model A Ford is to a Ferrari. For instance, the new 145 ft boats although admeasuring at less than 100 gross tons (U.S.) or 500 gt (International Tonnage Convention) can carry as much cargo as an earlier generation 166 ft or larger OSV

The new generation vessels have capacities of 30,000 gallons of fuel, 65,000 gallons of drill water/ballast, 1,200 barrels of 22 lb liquid mud and 40,000 gallons of methanol. In addition to the aforementioned below deck cargo capacity, the deck space available is 95 ft x 30 ft and can handle up to 400 long tons of cargo. It also provides quick accessibility to all steering systems for greater ease of maintenance.

The basic design, which is flexible to meet customer requirements, is 146 ft long with a 36 ft beam and 11 ft depth. One operator, Lytal Ocean Ltd., has already had two boats configured to the capacities indicated above Others, such as Bordelon, Seahorse, AMT Marine, Gilbeau Marine, G&B Marine Transportation and Gilco Supply Boats have had their vessels designed with different cargo capacities. The 2,850 sq ft aft deck can handle up to 400 long tons of cargo. The standard model is powered by two 760 bhp diesel engines driving through Bollinger shafts and propellers. One engine package that meets new IMO emission standards, features direct drive liquid mud pumps off of the main engines thereby eliminating belt systems.
The superstructure is larger than that of many OSVs of comparable size for more crew comfort and efficiency. The pilothouse, which provides excellent all around visibility, has canted windows at its forward and aft steering stains. Larger crew quarters, the galley and lounge spaces have also been designed to make them more ergonomic and comfortable.

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