US company Harvey Gulf International Marine is following a growing trend of shipowners finding new uses for offshore vessels in the oil and gas downturn.

The offshore shipowner has revealed it will convert one of its platform supply vessels into a bunker vessel to carry fuel and water offshore.

The conversion candidate is the 2,957-dwt Harvey Hawk (built 2013).

Harvey Gulf said the US-flagged ship will be able to carry 800,000 barrels (3,000 tonnes) of fuel per trip.