Edison Chouest plans new PSV design

The Louisiana-based Edison Chouest Offshore plans to design and build a series of twelve 91m, 5,300 dwt deepwater diesel-electric platform supply vessels (PSVs). Currently Chouest is building twelve PSVs based on its previous 85m design, which are scheduled to be delivered through the second quarter of 2010. Upon the delivery of the final 85m vessel, Chouest will only concentrate on building the 91m design.

The new design features an increased length of 6.1m over the current series, while the beam remains at 18m and the depth increases from 7.3m to 7.9m. The deadweight tonnage increases from 4,750 tonnes to 5,300 tonnes and the deck cargo capacity increases from 929m2 to 1,022m2.

Equipment for the first six diesel-electric vessels has been ordered with equipment for the second half of the PSV fleet being negotiated. Steel is expected to be cut for the first vessel in the series by 1 September. Ten of the new diesel-electric OSVs will be constructed at Chouest’s U.S.-based shipyards, while the remaining two will be constructed at the Chouest-owned Navship yard in Navegantes, Brazil.