Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) has completed construction work and redelivered HOS Rocinante—a first-of-its-kind US-flagged service operation vessel (SOV) converted for Hornbeck Offshore Services.
The vessel marks a significant milestone for the US offshore support fleet, providing a highly capable platform suited to future demand in both offshore wind and oil and gas—including multi-day operations at sea and safe, efficient offshore personnel support.
Originally built by ESG as an offshore supply vessel (OSV), HOS Rocinante underwent an extensive upgrade at ESG’s Allanton and Port St. Joe facilities in Panama City, Florida. The project transformed the ship into a next-generation SOV, designed to accommodate technicians, support secure personnel transfers, and sustain prolonged offshore operations across multiple sectors.
Key elements of the conversion include:
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installation of a motion-compensated gangway and other personnel transfer solutions;
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enhanced dynamic positioning (DP) and improved station-keeping performance;
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expanded accommodation and workspaces for offshore technicians, including single-occupancy cabins;
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major upgrades to cargo handling systems and client storage/warehousing capabilities;
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an energy storage system to extend operating range and strengthen resilience in contingency modes.
ESG CEO Joey D’Isernia described the project as a major breakthrough, noting that converting a vessel built more than a decade ago demonstrates the strength of US engineering and skilled shipyard labor. He added that HOS Rocinante is now among the most efficient multi-role offshore support assets in the US fleet.
With its SOV configuration, the vessel is positioned to support both offshore wind farm development and oil and gas operations, giving Hornbeck Offshore Services added flexibility to meet evolving energy-sector requirements in domestic and international markets.
