Big Splash At Eastern Shipbuilding’s Boat Yard
Hundreds of employees, guests and other spectators assembled at Eastern Shipbuilding’s Millville Yard on August 5th to see the christening and launch of the M/V Bravante VI, a 284 ft. long Offshore Supply vessel, built for the Boldini S.A., BRAVANTE GROUP of Brazil. Bravante VI is one of five vessels that Eastern Shipbuilding will be delivering.
Eastern’s President, Brian D’Isernia spoke about the bright future of Shipbuilding here in the United States, providing more local jobs, his gratitude to Eastern’s skilled workers and the Offshore Marine Industry prior to the launch. The President of Bravante Group, Renato Nascimento, and U.S. Representative Steve Southerland both spoke about the journey taken to get to this great day along with the long term partnership between Bravante, Eastern and the U.S. Government. Father Roy Marien of Saint John’s Catholic Church located in Panama City, Florida performed the blessing of the vessel, followed by the ceremonial breaking of a bottle of Champagne on the vessel’s bow.
The last steps of the sideways launch of the vessel required hand in hand coordination as metal ties needed to be cut in perfect unison by 8 welders with cutting torches. Brian D’Isernia personally gave last instructions and accompanied the work crew throughout the launching procedure. Once released, the massive boat started sliding in what appeared to be slow motion, slowly dragging three 5 ton on-shore concrete certified blocks with it when hitting the water with the biggest splash many of the spectators have ever seen, with a 15 ft. wave clapping back onto shore and forth against the boat’s hull. Languidly, Bravante VI settled in at anchor, applaused by its builders, owners and onlookers. A truly majestic sight.
This vessel is the second of five vessels that Bravante Group has commissioned. This high-tech vessel features four Cummins 16-cylinder turbo-charged IMO Tier II diesel generator engines and Cummins also furnished the four main generators. Main propulsion power is provided by two 690VAC electric motors driving two Schottel Combi-Drives for a total of 6,700 Hp.
GE Energy provides the complete system integrated diesel electric package, including the thruster drives, motors, control systems, DP system, switchboards, motor control centers, automation and navigation/ communication electronics. The vessels are capable of a maximum speed of 14 knots with a cruising speed of 12 knots. The fully integrated bridge is arranged for increased visibility and features the latest technology in navigation and communication equipment.
STX Canada Marine provided the design which is the basis for this very successful and proven Eastern Shipbuilding “Tiger Shark Class” Series. Seven other Offshore Supply Vessels in this series have been delivered to Eastern’s clients and have already proven themselves in worldwide operations.
Earlier this year in June, Eastern Shipbuilding has delivered 1 292’ vessel for Hornbeck Offshore Services, the HOS Red Dawn. Eastern has also launched 2 additional vessels, currently in outfitting, and plans to launch another vessel in September for Hornbeck; adding to Hornbeck Offshore’s current fleet of 77 vessels.