First of Four GPA 670 MKII Special Products PSVs Launched in China

Seattle, Washington- Guido Perla & Associates, Inc. announced today that Zhejiang Shipyard in China has launched the “Bourbon Hamos”, the first of four GPA 670 MKII Special Products Platform Support Vessels owned by French marine services provider Bourbon Offshore. With this order, Bourbon’s well -- proven GPA-designed fleet expands to 100 vessels, including 54 GPA 254L AHTSs, 28 GPA 654M PSVs, 4 GPA 670 ROVs and ten GPA 670 PSVs. The 70-meter GPA 670 MKII Special Products vessels are equipped with three 1,825 kW main diesel generators, two 2,000 kW open-water propeller Z-Drive units, as well as two 746 kW tunnel bow thrusters, and one 170 kW emergency generator. The use of environmentally friendly diesel-electric propulsion results in excellent fuel efficiency, as well as lower operating cost for the owner. GPA’s priority is to ensure client satisfaction. In addition to the fuel efficiency of the vessel, competitive pricing for the GPA 670 series, of which Bourbon is already successfully operating ten vessels, provides the owner with an excellent return of investment. By applying the highest safety standards and comfort levels, offshore operations are being conducted without risk to the health or security of crewmembers, thus providing maximum dependability. The GPA 670 MKII Special Products will primarily be engaged in the transport of stores, materials and equipment to offshore installations in tropical areas and distinguishes itself from other platform support vessels mainly due to its ability to carry approximately 170 cubic meters of special products such as methanol in specially designed tanks located in the aft end of the vessel. Furthermore, the DP2- and FFV1-certified vessel, which can accommodate 23 crewmembers, also provides the capability to carry 255 cubic meters of bulk material, as well as 1,083 cubic meters of liquid products. Delivery for the last of the four GPA 670 MKII Special Products is expected in August 2008, increasing the number of GPA 670 PSVs Bourbon owns to 18. Guido Perla and Associates, Inc. was founded in 1979 and is recognized worldwide as a leading Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering Consulting Firm. Contact: Inga Scholz 206.768.1515 Ext.202 Inga.Scholz@gpai.com