New generation boats for deepwater... and not so deep

摘要

The new generation of OSVs—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 entire fleet operating in the Gulf of Mexico 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, need to be serviced.