Benefits of our design include:

• Our vessels have two to three times the dry bulk capacity and deck space, three to ten times the liquid mud capacity and two to four times the deck tonnage compared to conventional, 180-foot OSVs, which are used primarily on the continental shelf.
• Our advanced cargo handling systems allow for dry bulk and liquid cargoes to be loaded and unloaded three times faster, while the solid state controls of our engines typically result in a 20% greater fuel efficiency than vessels powered by conventional engines.
• In addition, we believe that the superior capabilities of our deepwater OSVs allow them to earn higher average dayrates and utilization rates than those generated by our peers.
• Our OSVs are equipped with advanced dynamic positioning systems which allow our vessels to maintain position within a minimal variance.
• The unique hull design and integrated rudder and thruster system of our OSVs provide for a more manageable vessel.
• Our OSVs have been designed with state-of-the-art lifesaving monitoring, emergency power, fire-alarm and fire suppression systems and systems monitoring equipment.
• These vessels also have double-bottomed and double-sided hulls that minimize the environmental impact of hull penetrations, solid state control that minimizes visible soot and polluting gases and zero discharge sewage and waste systems that minimize the impact on marine environments.

Since 1997, we have assembled a core team of naval architects and other marine professionals to design and operate a new class of OSVs that specifically address the challenges of deepwater operations. Our deepwater OSVs have been built based on the proprietary designs and to the specifications of our in-house design team. As a result, our deepwater OSVs have enhanced capabilities that allow them to be used effectively in all stages of a deepwater project and for specialty services. Where appropriate, we work closely with potential charterers to design vessels specifically to meet their anticipated needs.

Our management possesses significant naval architecture, marine engineering and shipyard experience. We believe we are unique in the manner in which we design our own OSVs and work closely with our contracted shipyards in their construction. In addition, we typically source and supply much of the owner-furnished equipment from vendors other than the shipyard, comprising a large portion of the aggregate cost of a vessel. This approach results in substantial cost savings by avoiding the shipyard's mark-up on such equipment and enabling us to qualify for volume discounts with our non-shipyard vendors. This approach also fosters direct relationships with the vendors of our major equipment systems, which enhances the level of service we receive from such vendors during the warranty period. We believe that our history of delivering new vessels without significant delays provides us with a competitive advantage in obtaining contracts for our vessels prior to their actual delivery.