Strong Demand for Offshore Service Vessels Signals Growing Market
GL also introduces a regional Technology Center for the U.S. Gulf Coast
09.12.2010 - Offshore service vessels (OSV) are becoming larger, more specialized and
technically sophisticated as a result of the rising demand for more complex deepwater field
developments, including the Gulf of Mexico. Currently, there are some 2,500 OSV worldwide, with a steady growth projected from now through
2020. All this has led to an expanded definition of OSV which refers to
"not only traditional supply boats, but also anchor handling tug/supply
ships, well stimulation ships, and standby ships" and even those "built
to carry hazardous and noxious substances, to fight fires, or to occasionally recover oil," explains Stephen Gumpel, Area Manager North
and Central America at GL.
At the Annual Workboat Show in New Orleans, Germanischer Lloyd showcased
its services beyond traditional classification to provide the maritime, oil & gas and renewables industry with innovative ways to grow, globally
and locally. GL also is introducing its new Technology Center in Houston, TX, which bring GL's worldwide technological expertise to the
US Gulf Coast.
Aside from the traditional uses of OSV in the maritime and oil & gas
industries, interest in OSV is rising exponentially in the growing offshore wind industry. Just look at these numbers: European offshore
wind parks will create a demand for 15 to 20 installation ships; an additional 40 to 50 installation ships will be needed as China and the
U.S. enter this market; and these vessels will require 200-300 service
craft, such as crew supply and service and maintenance vessels.
Currently, GL is supervising several OSV newbuilding and re-building
projects, including self elevating units for wind turbine installation
purposes, anchor handlers, cable laying barges and vessels, and various supply and maintenance vessels, and is already involved in more than 18
wind installation and maintenance newbuilding projects.
GL opened on 1 September 2010 the GL Technical Center for Plan Approval of
Hull, Machinery, Safety and Stability in Houston, TX to serve the US Gulf Coast region. Capitalizing on the technological expertise of GL
worldwide, the regional Technology Center provides:
* Machinery compliance with different IMO and governmental standards
* Testing and compliance of combustion machinery with many statutory regulations
* Specific approval of systems and components
* Several aspects of welding technology (quality, workshop,
labor, equipment approvals)
* Material manufacturing and corrosion prevention certifications
* Ballast water tanks technology inspections, certification and compliance
* Pressure equipment design, certifications and consulting.
For more information please visit www.gl-group.com