Dockwise acquired by 3i

Offshore services company Heerema Group and Norwegian maritime group Wilh Wilhelmsen have agreed the sale of Dockwise Transport NV, the Dutch heavy transportation company based in Breda, to 3i, the private equity company. The deal is valued at in excess of US$700 million.

“Both shareholders are extremely pleased with the transaction and believe that 3i is the best company for guaranteeing continuation of the Dockwise organisation and business,” said Nico Pronk, chief finance officer of the Heerema Group. The sale is motivated by the fact that both Heerema and Wilh Wilhelmsen want to focus on their respective core activities.

Dockwise specialises in heavy-lift transportation for the marine and oil and gas industries. It has a fleet of 15 semi-submersible vessels, including a brand-new ship almost complete at Yantai Raffles in China.OSJ