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New Orleans-based Harvey Gulf International Marine has announced that it has commenced construction of its $25 million Phase 1, Slip B, liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuelling facility at its Port Fourchon terminal in Louisiana.

When operational later this year, Harvey Gulf's LNG facility will be the first of its kind in the United States. The technologically-advanced, clean energy facility will be a key addition to the growing national LNG supply infrastructure, supporting critical operations of the oil and gas industry's offshore fleet as well as over-the-road vehicles operating on clean LNG.

"Today's milestone represents another significant step in the path for Harvey Gulf to establish itself as the nation's leader in utilizing LNG as a marine fuel. Harvey Gulf is investing $350 million in the construction of an LNG-operated fleet. The dual-fuel vessels and our LNG facility further expand Harvey Gulf 's commitment to develop and utilize the safest, most environmentally friendly vessels and fuel technology available today. This fleet and facility signify a strong partnership between the State of Louisiana, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Harvey Gulf with a common goal of leading our nation down the path of clean energy use and strengthening America's future of energy independence," said CEO Shane Guidry.

Harvey Gulf selected Lockheed Martin's, Michoud facility for the construction of the facility LNG storage tanks, further expanding on their participation in the dual-fuel vessel construction program. Harvey Gulf contracted Houston-based CH-IV International as the front-end engineering design (FEED) and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor and Pittsburgh firm Matrix PDM Engineering for detail design and engineering. Civil engineering services are being provided by Carubba Engineering, based in Metairie, Louisiana.

The LNG facility will consist of two sites, each with 270,000 gallons of LNG storage capacity. The LNG tanks will be of stainless steel, Type 'C' construction. Each facility will be able to transfer 500 gallons of LNG per minute.

In addition to bringing energy-saving and environmentally friendly maritime fuel to Louisiana, Harvey Gulf will be bringing significant economic impact. The LNG facility will generate 70 new full-time jobs and another 120 jobs to handle its Port Fourchon operations and fleet of LNG vessels.

Founded in 1955, Harvey Gulf International Marine is a marine transportation company that specializes in towing drilling rigs and providing offshore supply and multi-purpose support vessels for deepwater operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.