OREANDA-NEWS. The Motor Vessel Squall joins three other vessels built by BAE Systems’ Jacksonville, Florida, shipyard to support U.S. offshore oil exploration.   

“The Squall is a well-built ship and is ready to perform the demanding duties required to support offshore drilling operations and crews,” said David Thomas, general manager of BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair . “The outstanding partnership between Jackson Offshore Operators and our highly-skilled workforce has resulted in four superb workboats that we are very proud of.”

The Squall is the fourth vessel of the GPA 675J class, designed by Guido Perla and Associates of Seattle, Washington. Construction of the 252-foot-long ship began in December 2014 and it was delivered on January 31. The other ships of the class are the M/V Breeze, Thunder, and Lightning, which were delivered in 2014 and 2015. All four ships are qualified to operate under the Jones Act, which governs the movement of cargo between U.S. ports on board U.S.-built and -flagged ships. At the International WorkBoat Show last December, the GPA 675J class was recognized as one of the top 10 significant boats of 2015 and was a 2015 Boat of the Year finalist. As a PSV, the Squall is designed to support close-in oil exploration platforms by shuttling supplies, equipment, limited amounts of product, and crewmembers to and from shore.

“The Squall and her sister ships are outstanding additions to the Jackson fleet,” said Lee Jackson, president and CEO of Jackson Offshore Operators. “I appreciate the efforts of the talented BAE Systems shipbuilders over the last four years to deliver these four highly capable ships. We look forward to long, productive service from these ships.”

BAE Systems is a leading provider of ship repair , maintenance, modernization, conversion, and overhaul for the Navy, other government agencies, and select commercial customers. The BAE Systems Jacksonville shipyard specializes in the maintenance, repair, overhaul, and conversion of commercial vessels. The shipyard is currently building an ocean-going tug and is providing maintenance services to  mega-yacht operators and the U.S. Navy. BAE Systems also operates six other full-service shipyards in Alabama, California, Florida, Hawaii, and Virginia, and offers a highly skilled, experienced workforce, eight dry docks, and significant pier space and ship support services.

Jackson Offshore Operators is a full service offshore transportation company that provides marine services in the Gulf of Mexico.