The announcement on the 28th February of EMAS Chiyoda’s bankruptcy is the latest in a long line of vessel contractors to fall victim to the downturn since January 2015.
Multiple companies such as Cal Dive , Ceona , Cecon , Harkand and Swiber have entered into administration, taking a significant number of vessels out of the active fleet. In other cases, internal restructuring measures (e.g. Siem Offshore, Boa Offshore, Deepocean etc.) were/have been in order.
Whilst current indicators of subsea activity (e.g. subsea tree orders) remain weak, the energy research and consulting service, Douglas-Westwood, believes that industry sentiment is improving, with oil prices approximately 76% higher this February relative to the average WTI recorded in February 2016.
With a market equilibrium and a recovery in sight, 2017 represents an opportune time for substantial industry consolidation and opportunistic vessel acquisitions to support long-term business strategy objectives. For example, McDermott’s recent acquisition of the newbuild ‘ Ceona Amazon ’ at a significant 77% discount to the reported build cost, will serve to strengthen and rejuvenate its subsea fleet, putting the company one step closer to their ultra-deepwater expansion strategy.
The recent downturn has been one of the most trying times in the history of the subsea industry. However, the removal of non-competitive low-spec vessels and strategic moves by vessel contractors to acquire high-spec vessels at discount rates, will find themselves well positioned to capitalise as the market continues to stabilise.
Source : DW