California Responder (above) has now been renamed Seaward Explorer
Two former spill response vessels have been acquired by Hornblower Group, which is to offer them for charter as multipurpose supply vessels through its Seaward Services Inc. subsidiary.
Now named the Seaward Explorer and Seaward Endeavor (previously the California Responder and Pacific Responder) the vessels were built at the VT Halter Marine shipyard and delivered in 1992 and 1993 respectively to the Marine Spill Response Company (MSRC). They have since operated strictly under the ownership of MSRC, fulfilling their mission as prepositioned oil spill response assets.
Seaward Services’ acquisition of both vessels is described as “the first endeavor to leverage the full capabilities of this class of former spill response vessels to serve as multipurpose supply vessels (MPSV) in a variety of commercial operations.”
A FIRST FOR HORNBLOWER
“As we continue to position Hornblower as a global leader in experiences and transportation and expand our portfolio of client service offerings within the maritime industry, we are proud to be the first company to take this class of multi-purpose supply vessels like the Seaward Explorer and the Seaward Endeavor and offer them to clients for commercial use,” said Scott Thornton, chief operating officer, Ferries and Transportation Division, Hornblower Group. “Offering these two dynamic and operationally versatile vessels for client use practically anywhere is a first for us and is a testament to work of our incredible Seaward Services team.”
At 208 feet in length, the ABS classed Subchapter D and Subchapter I former spill response vessels will be available for uses including, but not limited to, offshore wind /berthing and operational support, emergency response, global expeditionary support, cargo and freight operations, and government and private maritime training activities.
The vessels are each equipped with:
“The acquisition of these vessels signals a bright future for Seaward Services and our expanding operational footprint within the global maritime industry,” said John Keever, president, Seaward Services Inc. “I look forward to what’s ahead for our clients, particularly in the area of new technologies in offshore wind construction and operational support.”
