Dockwise and Sealift To Merge?

http://www.lloydslist.com/ll/home/index.htm?src=rss

I don't subscribe so I couldn't read the article myself but apparently it was confirmed by Sealift.

It's official: Sealift is buying Dockwise

It's official: Sealift is buying Dockwise


http://www.dockwise.com/dockumentary

http://hugin.info/137711/R/1122884/207286.pdf

Hi Indigo,

I merged your thread with the existing thread from earlier today, originally located under the yacht transport category. The thread has been moved to the general discussion for now.

Thanks to everyone for the breaking news. Cat from Dockwise will probably chime in at some point and give us some details.

Thanks, I was looking at these companies tonight and saw the info. I didn't see the previous posts. Thought the locals here would be interested.

Do you know or remember the two guys that started the original Company? Bert? was one Wil ? another and they were United Yacht transport, then merged/formed Dockwise. I believe they have both retired?

One of the begining jobs was to move offshore oil platform housing to Rikers Jail/island for the prisoners on the river. Everytime I go by that floating jail I think of them. Dockwise also accompished the largest heavy lift a few years ago....69,000 TONS (oil platform I think). It was on the United web site when it was still up.

Has there been any change announced or hinted at behind-the-scenes? I have a boat going on dockwise, and would be interested to know if somethings might change unexpectedly...

Maritime heavy transportation companies Dockwise and Sealift announce merger
Date, 27 April

Maritime companies Dockwise and Sealift, both active in the heavy transportation market, announce that they are to merge. By combining their fleet of vessels, the companies will be able to provide an enhanced service to customers. Following the merger, the Sealift vessels will be integrated into the existing Dockwise fleet and the company will trade under the Dockwise name. 3i, the largest shareholder in Dockwise, and Bermuda based Frontline, the largest shareholder in Sealift, have both approved the merger. Sealift, which is listed on the Oslo OTC market, was founded by Frontline to manage and operate six large Suezmax tankers, which are due to be converted into semisubmersible heavy transportation vessels. The first of these six vessels will be operational in May, following the completion of its conversion in China. Delivery of the bulk of the remaining vessels will follow later in 2007, with the final vessel to be delivered fourth quarter 2008.

Following the merger, the new entity will be listed on the Oslo OTC market. Both 3i and Frontline will continue as shareholders of the new company, whith 3i retaining the largest shareholding in Dockwise. As a result of the merger, the complementary expertise of Sealift will be integrated into the Dockwise organisation. André Goedee, CEO of Dockwise commented: “ The six Sealift vessels will reinforce our core business and allow us to accelerate our focus on new markets, such as the installation of oil platforms and the management of large and complex logistic projects.”

Bert Bekker, CEO of Sealift, said: “The introduction of the six new sister vessels combined with the versatile Dockwise fleet will greatly benefit our customers.” In December 2006 Dockwise was acquired by 3i, Europe’s leading private equity company, to realise the strong growth strategy of Dockwise. It is due to 3i’s international network, its sector knowledge and its experience in financially complex transactions, that Dockwise has been able to realise this merger.

Company profile Dockwise

Dockwise is headquartered in Breda, the Netherlands, and operates a fleet of 15 semi-submersible heavy transport vessels at the top end of the market. Dockwise employs about 800 people worldwide. With a global network of offices in Breda (the Netherlands, headquarters), Houston (Texas, U.S.A.), Shanghai (China), Busan (South Korea), Perth (Australia), Lagos and Fort Lauderdale/Golfe Juan (Dockwise Yacht Transport), as well as 8 representing agents, Dockwise provides an extensive service network to its clients. As a transport management and installation contractor Dockwise is able to offer a total transport solution for complex door-to-door logistic requirements of extremely heavy or voluminous cargo. In other words : “Exceptional transport management”.

Company Profile Sealift

Sealift is an international heavy transportation company providing marine services to the Oil and Gas market. The company will be operating 6 heavy transport vessels by fourth quarter 2008. The first vessel will enter service in May 2007. Carnegie and Lehman Brothers have been advisors to 3i in the merger between Dockwise Transport B.V. and Sealift Ltd.