Marine Log - August 2008 - (Page 41) SUBSEACONSTRUCTION The Premier Explorer, purchased from Crowley Maritime, will be used to perform sub-sea construction LOUISIANA OILFIELD DIVERS ADDS SUBSEA MUSCLE B elle Chasse-based Louisiana Oilfield Divers (LOD) began performing diving operations in 2006 when the demand for subsea construction was high due to the damage caused by Hurricanes Ivan, Katrina and Rita. In 2007, Premier Industries—an ASME coded fabrication company with access to deep water and locations throughout the Gulf of Mexico— acquired LOD, transforming the diving company into what it is today—a full service subsea construction company. According to Michael Babin, president of LOD, the company grew from a “simple shallow water service provider into a formidable, sophisticated, and legitimate contractor in the subsea construction industry.” Since the acquisition, LOD has cabability to perform sub-sea and topside construction, in addition to inspection, turn-key projects, and 24 hour emergency response in both fields. With 65 employees at LOD, the company is hoping to grow further. www.marinelog.com Recently, it purchased a dive support vessel from Crowley Maritime. LOD had originally chartered the vessel for a job and decided-soon after, to purchase it. The Premier Explorer, measures 208 ft x 53 ft x 13.5 ft with an 11 ft draft and has accommodations for 48. It is fitted with two Caterpillar D-399 2 engines, and the vessel features a 45 ton Personnel Rated Crane. Babin explains that Crowley’s configuration of the vessel was more universal, requiring LOD to convert it for the purpose of offshore construction. During its conversion, the vessel’s engine room and bridge technology were updated. In addition there was an installation and integration of 24 bunks in brand new additional vessel quarters. It received an additional power source and its Launch and Recovery system achieved ABS approval. The vessel is fitted with new gear boxes and clutches. It now meets SOLAS, ISPS, and ISM full compliance, along with AIS and SSAS for ISSC full compliance. With phase one of the conversion completed, the planning for phase two is already underway. According to Babin, the Premier Explorer delivers a “safe, stable and versatile platform while its innovative design and layout; size, efficiency, flexibility and extraordinary capacities are well suited for most operational needs.” Babin points out that since the two companies joined forces, LOD has earned a number of recognitions including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers “U” Stamp #33159; the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors “R” Stamp - # R-6007; the State of Louisiana Licensing Board for Contractors - Heavy Construction Classification #47181; OQSG, Veriforce, ADC, ISNetworld and PEC compliance; and NCMS approved DOT Drug and Alcohol Plan(s); and an ISSC Ship Security Certificate. LOD has in Venice and Harvey, La., as well as in Houston, Tex. For more information on LOD please visit http://lodsubsea.com ML AUGUST 2008 MARINE LOG 41 http://lodsubsea.com http://www.marinelog.com
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