NEW ORLEANS — Jackson Offshore Operators, LLC has selected BAE Systems’ shipyard in Jacksonville, Florida to build two new platform supply vessels (PSVs) that will serve offshore drilling operations. The contract reflects continued growth in U.S. commercial shipbuilding for BAE Systems and is another major step forward in the company’s support to the oil and gas industry.
Each of the Jackson Offshore Operators vessels will be qualified under the U.S. Jones Act and will measure 252 feet long and 60 feet wide. The contract, which was announced at this week’s International Work Boat Show in New Orleans, also includes options to build two additional PSVs in the future.
The GPA 675J PSV design will be provided by Guido Perla & Associates, Inc. of Seattle. The vessels will include an integrated Rolls-Royce ship systems package inclusive of low-voltage active front end diesel electric system and a complete Rolls-Royce propulsion package with Azipull propulsion thrusters.
“We are very excited to be moving forward with the construction of two GPA 675J PSVs,” said Lee Jackson, president and chief executive officer of Jackson Offshore Operators, LLC. “We are confident that BAE Systems can deliver the vessel on time and on budget.”
“This contract is a good fit for BAE Systems in Jacksonville as the facility has a proven track record and has been successful in the construction of vessels to support the offshore market,” said Richard McCreary, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards.
“Our commitment to new construction in the commercial market is unwavering as we continue to strengthen BAE Systems’ position as a highly competitive and financially stable builder of technically sophisticated ships,” McCreary said. “As our backlog grows, we will continue to build our workforce in Jacksonville.”
The Jackson Offshore contract is part of a continued effort by BAE Systems to increase the backlog of new construction work at its facilities in Jacksonville and in Mobile, Alabama. The company is currently constructing two dump scows and a trailing suction hopper dredge in Mobile with scheduled deliveries in 2013 and 2014 respectively. In August, the Mobile facility was awarded a contract to build two PSVs, with start of construction for the first vessel to begin in January.
BAE Systems currently employs 630 people in Jacksonville and expects to hire an additional 250 workers there by mid-2013.
BAE Systems is a leading provider of ship repair, maintenance, conversion, overhaul and new fabrication construction for commercial, private and government customers. The company operates six full-service shipyards in Alabama, Florida, Northern and Southern California, Virginia, and Hawaii, and offers a highly skilled and experienced workforce of more than 5,000 employees, dry docks, and unmatched pier space and ship support services. The company also has proven commercial shipbuilding, module fabrication and robust industrial fabrication capabilities at the Mobile and Jacksonville shipyards.
BAE Systems’ customer base includes industry leaders operating offshore energy support vessels, oil exploration vessels, cargo ships, cruise ships, oil transportation vessels and international carriers.
For further information, please contact:
John Measell, BAE Systems
Office: 757-494-4674; Mobile: 757-419-9615
Booth #2417 – International Work Boat Show
john.measell@baesystems.com
