US company Harvey Gulf International Marine is following a growing trend of shipowners finding new uses for offshore vessels in the oil and gas downturn.
The offshore shipowner has revealed it will convert one of its platform supply vessels into a bunker vessel to carry fuel and water offshore.
The conversion candidate is the 2,957-dwt Harvey Hawk (built 2013).
Harvey Gulf said the US-flagged ship will be able to carry 800,000 barrels (3,000 tonnes) of fuel per trip.
The New Orleans shipping company owns a 2m gallon diesel bunkering facility in Port Fourchon, Louisiana.
Harvey Gulf added that it will offer "competitive pricing" on fuel, with 30, 60 and 90-day payment terms.
Shipyard subsidiary to carry out work?
The shipowner also controls Gulf Coast Shipyard, where it is thought the work will take place.
The yard is already building a PSV for its parent, due for delivery in November, while a tug is also on order at shipyard VT Halter Marine.
UK shipbroker Clarksons lists nearly half of Harvey Gulf's fleet of PSVs, utility boats and multipurpose offshore vessels as either idle or laid up.
The Harvey Hawk is not on this list, however.
In recent months, plans have been announced to turn PSVs into power vessels or salmon delousing units.
Greece's Laskaridis group has even bought some ships for charitable environmental clean-up work.
