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Seacontractors enhances fleet with newbuilds and S&P activity
Dutch contractor is modernising its fleet of tugboats, multipurpose vessels and workboats supporting marine construction, offshore operations and emergency response
Seacontractors has been active in the sale and purchase (S&P) market and has received newbuild tugs as it modernises its fleet and prepares for new opportunities in the marine construction sector. During H2 2023 and Q1 2024, the Dutch shipowner and marine contractor sold two shallow-draught tugboats and added two secondhand anchor handling tugs and a newbuild multipurpose vessel to its fleet.
It sold 2006-built MTS Valour to Thamescraft and 2007-built Sea Echo, both originally built by Damen Shipyards to its Shoalbuster 2308 design. Seacontractors then purchased 2013-built, 52-m anchor handling vessels Seraya and Sentosa with 120 tonnes of bollard pull, and took delivery of another EuroCarrier 2611 workboat, Sea Olous, from Neptune Shipyard.
“In 2024, aside from Sea Olous, we have no additional specific additions planned, however, our company maintains a vigilant and opportunistic stance toward fleet management,” says Seacontractors commercial manager for towage and offshore Lisa de Bruijne-Kuiper.
“We continuously monitor the market and are prepared to seize suitable opportunities as they emerge, ensuring alignment with industry trends, customer needs and sustainability objectives.”
Bureau Veritas-classed Seraya and Sentosa have accommodation for 24 workers, a FiFi1 fire-fighting system and can carry 860 m3 of fuel and cargo on 200 m2 of deck space. They can carry out single and double towing, pushing, anchor handling and recovery, salvage support, wreck removal, ship escorting and deck and cargo transport.
Newbuild Sea Olous has a bollard pull of 40 tonnes and can operate in shallow waters with a draught of around 3 m and two Heila deck cranes. It has ultra-low emission vessels Bureau Veritas class notation for vessels surpassing Marpol requirements by integrating air emissions control technology on board. Its propulsion complies with IMO Tier III emissions standards with a urea tank and selective catalytic reduction unit for removing NOx from the exhaust.
Sea Olous is a sister vessel of Eurocarrier Sea Eidum, which was added to the Seacontractors fleet in June 2023 and has since worked in the Middle East Gulf. In March, Sea Olous arrived in Hamriya, UAE and is preparing for its next assignment.
With these additions and sales, Seacontractors operates a fleet of eight Shoalbusters mostly operating in the UAE, nine multipurpose workboats operating in various regions and six anchor handling tugs in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and in west Africa.
Seacontractors has been busy in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and in the Indian Ocean working on marine construction and offshore projects, with several vessels on long-term contracts and others working in short-term or spot markets.
Its multipurpose vessel 2006-built, 26-m Sea Bison (27 tonnes of bollard pull) is supporting tanker operations at a single-point mooring in Duqm, Oman, where it hands over mooring hawsers and floating hoses to tankers and patrols the area searching for evidence of crude oil leaks.
On the Mozambique LNG project, Seacontractors supports Van Oord’s shallow offshore installation scope with several vessels. In the Maldives, 2009-built, 26-m multipurpose tug Sea Buffalo (30 tonnes of bollard pull) is assisting in barge and anchor handling on the Greater Male connectivity project, where a 7-km bridge and causeway link is built between Male and nearby islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.
“In the last couple of years, we have provided several tugs to the Fehmarnbelt project,” says Ms de Bruijne-Kuiper.
“We perform general project assistance, towing and pushing, split hopper/rock barges, logistics assistance and shallow-water operations such as barge positioning, pushing and pulling and incidental crew changes during adverse weather.”
Seacontractors supports the construction of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, working with Osprey Group for EDF with two vessels providing support in Avonmouth area. It also supports decommissioning of Dutch installations in the southern North Sea.
Challenges and opportunities
The Vlissingen-headquartered company has overcome economic, operational and technical challenges. “We are effectively managing operating costs, including fuel and insurance, amid economic fluctuations and volatile fuel prices,” says Ms de Bruijne-Kuiper. Maintenance costs and labour expenses are particularly demanding.
“Our tugboats operate in demanding conditions, leading to wear and tear on equipment and machinery. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure vessel reliability, compliance with safety regulations and to prevent costly breakdowns.”
Seacontractors navigates geopolitical tensions and regulatory changes that impact supply chain dynamics and tugboat operations. “Factors such as trade disputes, sanctions or alterations in maritime regulations can affect shipping routes, port access and cargo volumes, necessitating adjustments to our strategies and operations accordingly,” she explains.
“Labour expenses represent a substantial portion of our operating costs. Skilled crew members are vital for ensuring safe and efficient operations. However, attracting and retaining qualified personnel can be difficult, particularly in our competitive labour markets where we are also facing workforce shortages.”
Emergency response
Seacontractors, an ISO: 9001:2015 certified company, owns a diverse fleet of vessels stationed around the world, equipped with specialised emergency response equipment and fire-fighting systems. It is well-prepared to handle emergency situations.
“Although we have not been involved in any salvage projects this year, we do offer emergency response services to the international maritime industry,” says Ms de Bruijne-Kuiper. “Whether it is responding to incidents such as fires, explosions, collisions, technical or machinery breakdowns or groundings, we are committed to contributing to saving lives, protecting the environment, mitigating risks and reducing loss of life and equipment.”
For emergency towage, its anchor handling tugs with bollard pulls ranging from 68-120 tonnes are best equipped, but its Shoalbusters range from 40-50 tonnes bollard pull and its multipurpose vessels 26-34 tonnes. But it is not just about towage capabilities in emergency response.
“Our experienced crew members and extensive network ensure we are only one call away, ready to provide 24/7 emergency support whenever and wherever needed,” she continues. “With a proven track record, we take pride in our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to maritime emergencies, prioritising safety, environmental protection, and the wellbeing of all involved parties.”
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