Business Sectors
Events
Marine Coatings Webinar Week
27 Oct 2025
GMT - ONLINEContents
Register to read more articles.
Jifmar set to acquire Seacontractors' workboat fleet
A fleet of 15 shallow-draught workboats, including tugs, is being sold by Seacontractors, enabling the Dutch group to focus on offshore anchor-handling vessels
Jifmar Group is to acquire a fleet of 15 workboats, with up to the 50 tonnes of bollard pull, from Seacontractors to reinforce its presence in the Middle East.
Seacontractors is selling these vessels, which are mostly working in the Arabian Gulf, to concentrate on high-specification offshore support vessels, particularly anchor-handling tugs.
This transaction will be undertaken with the support of both companies’ financial advisors, JBR and Vulcain-Clearwater, and includes Seacontractors’ 183 staff of vessel crews and office support workers.
“By expanding our fleet, we will strengthen our ability to support clients worldwide,” said Jifmar Group chief executive Jean-Michel Berud. “Our new structure and reinforced presence in the Middle East will extend our reach across eastern regions.”
The acquisition is expected to be completed in September or October. Jifmar will continue to execute ongoing projects and deliver the maritime services Seacontractors was providing during the handover period to ensure a seamless transition.
“This strategic step allows us to fully concentrate on expanding and operating a fleet capable of handling the most demanding offshore and towage projects,” said Seacontractors owner Xander Schanssema.
Seacontractors will focus on anchor handling tug, supply (AHTS) vessels in the 70-tonne to 200-tonne bollard pull range which are used for offshore and deepsea anchor handling, terminal towage, coastal towage, and to support offshore engineering, construction and installation projects.
The Dutch marine contractor has been adding AHTS vessels to its fleet as it focused on the higher-end segment of the offshore and deepsea towage market.
It recently acquired two AHTS vessels, 2008-built Skandi Tender and 2009-built Skandi Trader, from DOF Group, to be renamed Sea Banckert and Sea Evertsen and reflagged under the Dutch flag following their handover in September 2025.
Seacontractors also added AHTSs Sea Seraya and Sea Sentosa, both with 120-tonne bollard pull capacities, to its fleet in 2024.
For Jifmar Group, this acquisition consolidates its position in shallow-draught workboat operations, following its takeover of Acta Marine’s workboat division in 2023. Upon completion of the transaction, it will operate a fleet of more than 80 vessels, enabling it to support clients worldwide.
Riviera’s Offshore Support Journal Conference, Americas will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 7-8 October 2025. Click here to register your interest in this industry-leading event.
Related to this Story
Events
Marine Coatings Webinar Week
27 Oct 2025GMT - ONLINE
Maritime Environmental Protection Webinar Week
28 Oct 2025GMT - ONLINE
Ship Recycling Webinar Week
04 Nov 2025GMT - ONLINE
© 2024 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.
