10/13/2026
Seacraft Shipyard and our clients have been hard at work reactivating and converting four former oilfield crew boats for new lives as research vessels. We are proud to announce that the second of four vessels, MV Global Abigail, has been completed and has departed en route to the Persian Gulf for her first research project.
Formerly used to transport personnel, cargo, fuel, and water to offshore oil and gas installations, the Global Abigail has been extensively modified to fulfill her new role as a research vessel.
The conversion included a complete repaint in her new owner’s colors. The vessel also underwent a comprehensive dry-docking, during which her propeller shafts, propellers, rudders, cutlass bearings, sea chests, and anodes were inspected, reworked, or replaced, and the vessel’s bottom was prepared and repainted.
In addition to the extensive work completed below the waterline, virtually every major onboard system was upgraded or replaced. This included the vessel’s mechanical, electronic, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, potable water, bilge, fire, and HVAC systems.
The former passenger and crew spaces were also completely transformed. Outdated accommodations were replaced with modern living quarters and functional workspaces, including new paneling and flooring designed to meet the requirements of the vessel’s new mission.
Finally, all safety equipment and systems were thoroughly refurbished, tested, and recertified, preparing the Global Abigail for her new operational role.
The completion of the MV Global Abigail represents another example of Seacraft Shipyard’s ability to take an existing vessel and transform it to meet the specialized requirements of a new owner and mission.
From dockside repairs and dry-docking to major repairs, vessel recertification—including USCG and Class—repowers, and complete vessel conversions, Seacraft Shipyard has the experience, facilities, and capabilities to handle projects involving both aluminum and steel vessels.
As a third-generation, family-owned and operated shipyard, Seacraft Shipyard takes pride in providing the experience, craftsmanship, and hands-on project management necessary to successfully complete complex vessel projects for customers throughout the United States and around the world.
