Dutch offshore contractor Boskalis is to take 24 vessels out of service in the coming two years with 650 consequential job losses.
The company said the rationalisation followed a study of deteriorating market conditions and an expected prolonged period of low energy prices.
Ten vessels will be hived out of the dredging division with 14 coming out of the offshore energy business.
“These will include trailing suction hopper dredgers, cutter suction dredgers, anchor handling tugs and heavy transport vessels,” said Boskalis.
The fleet rationalization will be implemented through the scrapping, sale and lay-up of vessels. The average age of the vessels earmarked for scrapping or sale is in excess of 30 years.
Boskalis chief executive Peter Berdowski said: “It is essential that we adapt the size and composition of our fleet to this new reality. We are fully aware that this intended decision is drastic and that it will have a major social impact.
“Compulsory redundancies unfortunately look to be unavoidable. A reduction of the number of vessels and jobs is however necessary to ensure that Boskalis remains healthy going forward,” he added.
The company said the fleet rationalization has no implications for the company strategy aimed at benefitting from key macroeconomic factors including the challenges associated with climate change.
Image: Boskalis
