Danish offshore shipowner Maersk Supply Service has sold two more offshore vessels as part of its fleet reduction program.
The company has now sold the Maersk Seeker and Maersk Supplier anchor handlers which had joined Maersk’s fleet in the 90’s.
Maersk Supply Service announced in August 2016 that would cut its fleet by up to 20 vessels over a period of 18 months.
Providing the rationale for the move, the company said it was cutting fleet as a response to vessels in layup, limited trading opportunities and the global over-supply of offshore supply vessels in the industry.
With this latest sale, in 2016, 10 of the 20 vessels have already left the fleet and the divestments will continue in 2017.
In an email sent to Offshore Energy Today, Maersk said the “vast majority of the divested vessels are expected to be recycled or modified by their new owners to compete outside of the offshore supply vessel segment.”
To date, Maersk Beater, Maersk Chancellor, Maersk Finder, Maersk Puncher, Maersk Provider, Maersk Forwarder, Maersk Feeder, Maersk Fighter, Maersk Seeker and Maersk Supplier have been sold, leaving the Maersk Supply Service fleet at 47 vessels.