JBR recommends transferring 15 workboats and Dubai office to Jifmar Group

Jifmar Group, based in France, recently finalized the acquisition of 15 workboats from Seacontractors, signifying a significant milestone in the company’s expansion plans in the Middle East and the Indian Ocean region. The deal, which was announced in August, has been hailed as a strategic move beneficial to both parties involved. Seacontractors, a company headquartered in the Netherlands, will now focus on its Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) operations in the 70–200-ton bollard pull range, thus enhancing its proficiency in deep-sea anchor handling, towage, and specialized offshore projects. Meanwhile, Jifmar Group’s acquisition reinforces its primary business of operating shallow-draft workboats that cater to the nearshore energy and coastal infrastructure sectors. The addition of these new vessels brings Jifmar Group’s fleet count to 84, with 26 units strategically positioned in the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.

The agreement between Seacontractors and Jifmar Group also includes a six-month transfer services arrangement, ensuring a smooth handover process for clients and ongoing projects. Notably, Seacontractors will continue to provide support for fleet operations during this transitional period. Moreover, the team based in the Dubai office and the seafaring crew associated with the fleet will transition to Jifmar Group, maintaining operational continuity.

Jean-Michel Berud, the CEO of Jifmar Group, expressed his excitement about this development, stating, “This closing marks a new chapter for Jifmar Group. By integrating this fleet and its experienced crews, we are scaling up our operational presence in key regions and reinforcing our ability to support clients with reliable, versatile, and efficient assets. Our ambition is to continue setting the reference standard for workboat performance worldwide.”

Although the financial specifics of the transaction have not been disclosed, Seacontractors received advisory services during the sale process from JBR, a consultancy firm in the Netherlands known for its involvement in various maritime transactions. Rick ter Maat, Partner and Head of Maritime & Offshore at JBR, expressed satisfaction with the deal, emphasizing the collaborative effort that went into executing the transaction. This successful partnership further solidifies JBR’s position as a trusted advisor in the maritime sector.

According to Ronald van Rijn, Managing Partner at JBR, the recent deal between Jifmar Group and Seacontractors underscores the increasing influence of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) in the global maritime and energy markets. With many clients shifting their focus to the Middle East region, there is a growing recognition of the area’s significance in these sectors.

In conclusion, the acquisition of 15 workboats by Jifmar Group from Seacontractors marks a pivotal moment for both companies, positioning them for further growth and success in their respective sectors. The deal reflects a strategic alignment of interests and a commitment to enhancing operational capabilities and client service in key markets.