Westcon Group buys Florø shipyard and design group

JANUARY 2, 2013 — Norway’s Westcon Group AS has acquired the STX Norway Florø AS shipyard and STX Norway Design Florø AS from STX Europe AS on of December 31st 2012.

“We are very proud to wish our clients and all who work with and for Westcon, including our new team members in Florø, a happy new year with this exciting announcement. The acquisition will create new opportunities as well as strengthen Westcon’s position as a leading provider of yard services in the North Sea”, says Arne Birkeland, deputy CEO in Westcon Group. “Access to a highly skilled work force in the acquired companies, as well as a bigger dock, a modern plant and an attractive location will strengthen the market position of the Westcon Group.”

The Florø shipyard has a long heritage and specializes in ship repair and conversion activities. Farstad Shipping, Bourbon Offshore, Island Offshore, Havila Shipping, DOF, Remøy Shipping, Hurtigruten, Fjord1 and Olympic Shipping are among customers it has served.

The yard is well-equipped to perform classification, maintenance and repair work on oil rigs, in addition to ship repair.  
 
STX Norway Design Florø AS is a subsidiary of STX Europe, situated at the Florø Yard.and is a naval architecture and marine engineering company that supplies complete designs, construction and drawing packages for newbuilds and conversions.

The Florø companies will now operate as separate subsidiaries within the Westcon Group, which includes Westcon Yard, Westcon Power & Automation and Westcon Løfteteknikk.

Gustav Johan Nydal, CEO of Westcon’s newly acquired yard in Florø, is happy with the transaction.

“Westcon becoming the new owner is very positive for the local community of Florø. The yard is now even better positioned for the offshore market. This, together with the possibilities of future activities within shiprepairs, gives exciting opportunities for our clients and employees,” Mr. Nydal said.