M/V SIGNET STARS & STRIPES and M/V SIGNET CONSTELLATION Christened
GULFPORT, MS - 12 OCT 2011 - Trinity Offshore, LLC and Signet Maritime Corporation christened M/V SIGNET STARS & STRIPES and M/V SIGNET CONSTELLATION yesterday at the Trinity Shipyard in Gulfport, Mississippi. This extraordinary affair included many of Signet Maritime’s and Trinity Offshore’s valued customers and employees in addition to many local, state and national political figures.
The Christenings occurred at 10:30 A.M. Mrs. Gayle L. Wicker, wife of The Honorable Roger F. Wicker, United States Senator, Tupelo, Mississippi, christened the M/V SIGNET STARS & STRIPES. Immediately following, Mrs. Tara E. Hauhe, wife of Mr. William E. Hauhe, General Manager, Angola LNG Supply Services LLC, Houston, Texas, christened M/V SIGNET CONSTELLATION.
“The skies over Mississippi will be brighter when Signet Maritime Corporation puts its two new escort tugs to work next month,” said United States Senator, Roger Wicker, during the vessels' christenings.
The program included a speech by Signet Maritime’s President and Owner, Mr. J. Barry Snyder notating the importance these tugs bring to Mississippi Shipbuilding and Gulf of Mexico LNG services. The technologically advanced tugs are specifically designed and engineered to offer superior ship-handling, escort, and sea-keeping performance and incorporate cutting edge design, leading the way in marine vessel service provided to LNG carriers.
Luncheon at Latitude 30° Restaurant on Gulfport Lake followed the shipyard ceremonies.
The M/V SIGNET CONSTELLATION, Trinity Hull TO-22, was launched on September 7, 2011 and yesterday’s christening of M/V SIGNET STARS & STRIPES, Trinity Hull TO-23, marked her official launch.
Both tugs are 100’ (30.48m) RAstar 3100 Class Terminal Support/Escort Tugs, built for Signet Maritime Corporation’s U.S. Gulf of Mexico operations and will provide marine services to Angola LNG Supply Services (ALSS) in the Port of Pascagoula, Mississippi. The Robert Allan Ltd. designed ASD tugs are built to American Bureau of Shipping Maltese Cross A1 Towing & Escort Service, Fire Fighting Class 1 (Fi-Fi 1) and Maltese Cross AMS standards. The vessels will be operated under Signet Maritime’s ABS-certified International Safety Management (ISM) and ISO 9001-2008 Quality Management Systems. In addition, these vessels are the first EPA Tier 3, EU Stage IIIA, and IMO Marine Tier III vessels to be built and operated in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
Signet Maritime Vessels Complete Series of Rig Moves
HOUSTON, TX - 31 MAR 2011 - Signet Maritime Corporation announced the successful completion of transportation, delivery and loadout of two rigs. Signet provided full turnkey operations for the movement of the Rubicone H-191 from Sabine, Texas to Kiewit Offshore Services, Ingleside, Texas. The m/v SIGNET ENTERPRISE with 4,400BHP, 62.6MT Bollard pull ahead, 53.5MT bollard pull astern and the m/v SIGNET INTREPID with 4,400BHP, 60.3MT bollard pull ahead, 54.7MT bollard pull astern, were utilized as the primary towing tugs for the project. The at-sea tow was accomplished flawlessly in four days. "The towing speed at 3.8 knots was excellent given the time of year and sea conditions," commented Jackie Yardley, Signet Maritime's Senior Manager of Global Traffic and Rig Transport.
Complete marine services were also provided for the movement and delivery of the Veer Prem MOPU, from Galveston, Texas to Kiewit Offshore Services, Ingleside, Texas. Signet once again deployed their flagship vessels, the m/v's SIGNET ENTERPRISE and SIGNET INTREPID, along with the chase boat m/v SANTA ROSA.
Upon arrival at the Aransas Sea Buoy, Signet utilized additional vessels from their fleet to provide inbound assistance and loadout services onto a Heavy Load Vessel (HLV) at Kiewit for both transportation projects. Upon completion of loadout, Signet provided cribbing and sea-fastening for the rig Veer Prem.
Major Project Risk Assessment and constant direct weather forecasting were provided throughout the duration of both projects.
New EPA Tier 3 Compliant Engines to be Installed on Signet Maritime's ASD Tugs for LNG
PASCAGOULA, MS — 21 MAR 2011 - Signet Maritime Corporation announced they are the first to install the Cat® C175 ACERT 16-cylinder main propulsion diesel engines rated at 3417 BHP each on their two support/escort tugs being built in Gulfport, MS. These engines represent the next generation in technology for addressing the needs of emissions and hazardous location applications and meet offshore emissions requirements, including EPA Tier 3, EU Stage IIIA, and IMO Marine Tier II. The Robert Allan Ltd. Designed RAstar 3100 class tugs are engineered to provide superior ship handling, escort, and sea-keeping performance. Slated for an October 2011 delivery, these highly specialized terminal support/escort tugs will provide marine services for Angola LNG Supply Services (ALSS) vessels into the Port of Pascagoula.
J. Barry Snyder, president of Signet Maritime, stated, "A vital evolution for this decade is the initiation of Tier 3 environmental protection with internal combustion engines and we are the first to install the new Cat C175-16 EPA Tier 3 engines on ASD tugs." Signet is a strong proponent of using green technology and protecting the environment; using these new engines will result in lower emissions, improved performance, and reduced fuel consumption.
The new engines accomplish this with the support of the Cat ACERT technology, which is a combination of advanced electronics/monitoring systems, increased engine efficiencies through computer aided design, and modernized common rail fuel injection systems.
Signet Expands with Colle Acquisition, More Tugs and Shipyard
HOUSTON, TX - 13 JUL 2010 - Signet Maritime Corporation, a marine transportation and logistics company, continues to grow with their recent purchase of Colle Towing Company's assets and business operations. Since 1878, Colle Towing Company Inc., Pasacagoula MS has been providing offshore, harbor and intracoastal marine towing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Assets and personnel in Pascagoula will begin operations immediately under the new name, Colle Maritime Company, a Division of Signet Maritime Corporation. The company operates tugs for the Port of Pascagoula in both the Bayou Casotte and Pascagoula River Ports and operates a full-service shipyard and 600 ton Travelift for repair of vessels and barges. Signet and Colle were recently awarded a twenty-year contract to provide marine services to Angola LNG Supply Services (ALSS) in the Port of Pascagoula, Mississippi. The agreement, to commence third quarter 2011, includes options to extend for up to ten additional years.
J. Barry Snyder, president and chief executive officer of the combined companies said, "Through this transaction we have strengthened our company, added depth to our fleet and fortified our position in the Port of Pascagoula. Its been a busy year for us with the ALSS LNG contract, the acquisition of Colle, and the construction of three new tugs–two for LNG and one ASD here at Colle Shipbuilding & Repair, also a division of Signet Maritime Corporation. The same proud service which Colle has provided for over 100 years will be maintained by Colle Maritime and enhanced by Signet's ISO 9001:2008 · ISM · STCW 95 · MTSA ·AWO - RCP certifications by the end of October 2010."
"We are pleased to report all Colle employees have been offered employment with Colle Maritime and have accepted." Further, Snyder said, "Signet will continue to expand its international marine transportation and logistics services, with concentration in the Americas, Africa and Middle East."
Signet Maritime has facilities in Houston, TX; Pascagoula, MS; Morgan City, LA; Ingleside, TX; Brownsville, TX; Dubai UAE, and Brazil SA. Signet's fleet now includes 32 owned and bareboat vessels, including ocean and harbor tugs, 2 ocean heavy lift deck barges, 3 inland deck barges and 3 ASD tugs under construction.
Trinity to Build Two Escort Tugs For Colle and Signet
GULFPORT, MS – 28 APR 2010 - Trinity Offshore, LLC is pleased to announce that Colle and Signet have signed contracts worth over $27 million to build two 6,800 HP, 80 metric ton bollard pull terminal support/escort tugs. Colle Maritime Company, a joint venture between Colle Towing Company and Signet Maritime Corporation, will operate the vessels to provide marine services to Angola LNG Supply Services (ALSS) at the Port of Pascagoula, Mississippi. The tugs will be built over 17 months at Trinity Offshore's Gulfport, Mississippi shipyard with deliveries planned for September of 2011.
Designed by Robert Allan Ltd, of Vancouver, B.C., these RAstar 3100 class Escort Tugs are specifically designed and engineered to offer truly superior ship-handling, escort, and sea-keeping performance in comparison to more conventional tug designs. The tugs incorporate cutting edge design and technological features to safely assist LNG tankers, oil tankers and cargo vessels calling at the LNG, oil refinery and other dry cargo terminals in Pascagoula.
The tugs will be built entirely under cover at Trinity Offshore's 60-acre facility in Gulfport, Mississippi. This state-of-the-art shipyard is shared with Trinity Yachts, LLC, an affiliated company with Trinity Offshore. Trinity Offshore owners and key personnel have a long history in building state-of-the-art tugs, offshore vessels and patrol craft. Building these tugs under cover will ensure the highest quality standards are met and an on time delivery achieved.
Measuring 100 ft. (30.5 m) by 40 ft. (12.2 m) each, these two state-of-the-art ASD tugs will be built to American Bureau of Shipping Maltese Cross A1 Towing & Escort Service, Fire Fighting Vessel Class 1 (Fi-Fi1), and Maltese Cross AMS standards. They will be operated under Colle Maritime's ABS-certified International Safety Management (ISM) and ISO 9001-2008 Quality Management Systems.
Angola LNG Awards Colle Maritime 20 Year Contract
HOUSTON, TX — 26 April 2010 - Colle Maritime Company of Pascagoula Mississippi, a joint venture between Signet Maritime Corporation and Colle Towing Company, has been awarded a twenty-year contract to provide marine services to Angola LNG Supply Services LLC (ALSS) in the Port of Pascagoula, Mississippi. The agreement, to commence third quarter 2011, includes options to extend for up to ten additional years.
Utilizing their combined expertise, the joint venture between Colle and Signet will construct two highly specialized terminal support/escort tugs that will each provide 80 metric tonnes of bollard pull. Designed by Robert Allan Ltd., these RAstar 3100 class tugs were designed and engineered to offer truly superior ship-handling, escort, and sea-keeping performance in comparison to any more conventional style of tug. Construction will commence immediately at Trinity Offshore in Gulfport, Mississippi. Both tugs will be built to American Bureau of Shipping Maltese Cross A1 Towing & Escort Service, Fire Fighting Vessel Class 1 (Fi-Fi 1), and Maltese Cross AMS standards. Additional tugs from the existing Signet and Colle fleets will complement these primary tugs.
"I am very pleased with the partnership developed with Signet Maritime to operate the LNG tugs in Pascagoula," said John Colle, President of Colle Towing Company. "The diverse experience of both companies is a very good match for this venture. Colle Tugs has been operating in the Port of Pascagoula since 1878 and we have an impeccable record of providing excellent service to our customers. The addition of these powerful tugs should open doors for future expansion in the Port of Pascagoula. I am proud the new tugs will be built in Mississippi and operated by Mississippians," Colle added.
"We are pleased to be entrusted with the safe handling of the LNG vessels into Pascagoula," said J. Barry Snyder, President of Signet Maritime. "Safety and the environment are our absolute priorities. This contract is in recognition of the tremendous operating and safety record our company enjoys, fostered by the hard work of every Signet employee without whom our success would never be possible. I am truly proud," he added.
"John Colle and I studied the engineering needs of our customer to build a superior machine for this specific project," Snyder stated. "A team of technically advanced professionals was commissioned to develop a comprehensive plan to enhance safety and increase efficiency of the marine services required to support ALSS in Pascagoula. We are very grateful to Robert Allan Ltd., Naval Architects for their support to develop the new RAstar 3100 class tugs, tailored to offer truly exceptional ship-handling, escort, and sea-keeping performance," Snyder added.
Colle Shipyard Awarded Contract for new Signet Maritime ASD Tug
HOUSTON, TX – 04 JAN 2010 - John H. Colle, Jr., President of Colle Towing Company, Inc., Pascagoula, Mississippi, announced that Signet Maritime Corporation has awarded a new-build contract to Colle Shipyard for construction of SIGNET WEATHERLY, a Robert Allan designed RAmparts 3200 105'x38'x17.7' (32.0m x 11.6m x 5.4m) ASD tug. The vessel will be built and classed to ABS Maltese Cross, AMS, Ocean Towing Service standards. She will be employed in Signet's expanding US Gulf and overseas harbor, ship assist and ocean rig transport businesses.
J. Barry Snyder, President of Signet Maritime, stated "We chose Colle Shipbuilding for its quality engineering and shipbuilding work and previous construction of the Robert Allan design. We are very pleased to have cut steel and begun construction of this technologically advanced vessel. The raised forecastle and gentle sheer along with its MTU high performance engines and Niigata Z-drives give this tug a decided advantage for in–harbor assist and ocean towing. With her state of the art wheelhouse, advanced telemetry, communications and electronics, sophisticated electrical distribution system, highly advanced Markey electric hawser and double drum tow winches she will serve Signet's rigorous multi-purpose rig-transport demands. She is designed for more than 60 Metric Tons Continuous Bollard Pull for intricate rig work and ocean towing and set up to bunk ten seamen." When delivered in Spring 2011, the ASD will be the seventh tractor added to Signet's fleet to support international operations for vessel assist, escort, rig transport, ocean towing and deep offshore energy development. John H. Colle, Jr., Colle Towing and Shipyard president said "This is a great day for Colle to commence another Robert Allan design for construction here in Pascagoula. We are proud of our 131 year reputation for quality and excellence and we will devote our strict attention to this new tug."
By popular vote among Signet employees, the name chosen for the new tug, M/V SIGNET WEATHERLY, was the 1962 winner of the Americas Cup. Snyder recounts, "During her races, she proved to be a staunch, tough competitor, and we will hold her namesake to no less a commitment. She will be a proud warrior, serving our customers well with a higher standard than ever before."
SIGNET CONTRACTS WITH NIIGATA FOR Z-DRIVE TECHNOLOGY
Signet orders Z-drives for new SIGNET INTREPID
HOUSTON, TX - April 14, 2009 - Signet Maritime Corporation announced contracts with Niigata Power Systems Co. Ltd. of Japan to use Niigata's Z-drive technology. Following on the heels of a successful delivery of two J. M. Martinac built tractors, m/v AMERICA and m/v PACIFIC STAR, Signet has ordered the Niigata Z-Peller Model ZP31 2-4 blade NIBRAL RG180K for its new tug, the m/v SIGNET INTREPID. Delivery is expected in the first quarter of 2010.
Niigata was chosen for its quality, service, and performance. The maneuverability of the Signet fleet is attributed to the emphasis Signet places on creating a stable platform for the integration of the topsides of rigs.
