In 1993 the 125,000 m3 LNG vessels owned by Argent Marine Services were required to be placed into deep lay-up. As a cost saving measure, the vessels were moved to anchorage in the James River at the Argent Marine Operations James River Lay-up site. The vessels remained at the site until their reactivation in 1999 (LNG DELTA) and 2000 (GALEOMMA). Utilizing the anchorage site for lay-up saved an estimated $1M annually over a pier-side layup.

In order to moor the vessels for long-term lay-up and to ensure vessel maintenance for this project, the following was performed:

Each vessel was dry-docked, sea chests were blanked and bottom coating renewed. A suitable self-contained generator package and required electric distribution system (all external to the vessels' systems) were procured and installed. Suitable mooring sites were identified and evaluated. The best site was chosen and the required permitting process completed. A detailed mooring analysis was performed by AMO and suitable mooring equipment procured, including high holding anchors, anchor chain, fenders, wire rope and buoys. A detailed mooring and movement plan was prepared and executed.

The vessels were moved into position and secured within a 3 day window in December 1994. A dedicated crew utilizing a personnel service boat and an equipment service boat serviced & maintained the vessels.

Argent Marine is uniquely equipped and staffed to be able to offer these services to other ship owners/operators.