VesselsValue sees offshore wind as opening up opportunities for liftboats

SEACOR liftboat

Online valuation and data provide VesselsValue has added liftboats to its coverage. Robert Day, Head of Offshore at VesselsValue, says that last year saw a spotlight on renewables, particularly offshore wind energy, and following that, “opportunity could come knocking for liftboat owners.”

VesselsValue started covering the offshore sector since 2016 and, since then, has launched automated values for around 11,000 offshore vessels,

“With liftboats representing a key link between offshore oil and gas assets and the renewables sector,” says Day, covering them “was the logical next step to take.”

“As the only valuation provider producing live, fully automated and 100% unbiased liftboat valuations,” says Day, “VesselsValue’s unique launch fills an essential gap in the market. In a sector notorious for a lack of transparency and under extreme pressure due to COVID-19, more than ever, real time and objective information is critical.”

Alongside the introduction of daily updated automated values, liftboats have now been incorporated into VesselsValue’s fleet search database and live AIS and GIS mapping and tracking tool.

A LESSON ON LIFTBOATS

As of today, says VesselsValue, the total value of the global liftboat fleet consisting of 247 vessels is $2.16 billion.

Lafayette, La., based All Coast LLC has the largest fleet by number with 29 vessels to its name with a VV value of $16 million, but Abu Dhabi based Zakher Marine International has the largest fleet by value with an impressive USD 343 mil spanning their 16 vessels fleet. Recent narket rumors suggest that Zakher Marine Services may even be selling its entire liftboat fleet to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), although there has been no official confirmation as of yet.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there have been several recent distressed liftboat sales. Interestingly, the two largest liftboats in the world fleet in terms leg length, Singapore based Teras Offshore’s Teras Fortress 2 and its sister. Teras Fortress, were contracted for around $90 million back in 2012 and yet the former was sold in December 2020 for just $22 mil, with a VV value of $21.48 million as at February 17, 2021.