BP tests Crowley hovercraft at offshore Northstar field

BP is testing a new hovercraft at its Northstar oil field offshore Alaska’s North Slope about 12 miles northwest of Prudhoe Bay.

BP Exploration (Alaska) spokesman Daren Beaudo told Petroleum News June 11 that BP has entered into a five-year lease agreement with Crowley Marine to test the new hovercraft, with the first year considered a trial period meant to test the craft’s performance in all conditions that present themselves over the course of the year.

The hovercraft design comes from Griffon Hovercraft, a British firm. It was manufactured for Crowley in the United States by Kvichak Marine in Seattle and will be used for ferrying personnel and cargo to and from Northstar, Beaudo said. The dimensions of the vehicle are: 12 meters long with a mass of 2,700 kilograms. It can transport 18 passengers with a crew of two. BP’s goal for the program, Beaudo said, is to come up with a safe, reliable and economical transportation mode that will serve Northstar all year long.

This particular hovercraft design is quieter and less expensive to operate than previously tested models of hovercraft and BP intends to conduct sound tests this summer, he said.

“We have not yet begun using the craft, but are hoping to put it to use sometime this month after securing Coast Guard clearance,” Beaudo said.

BP also expects the hovercraft to offer schedule flexibility by not being as sensitive to certain types of bad weather — such as fog — where air (helicopter) transportation may not be possible.

The hovercraft will be stored at West Dock and piloted by Crowley Marine personnel.