GC Rieber Shipping ASA has made significant progress strategically and operationally during the fourth quarter – with the establishment of Shearwater GeoServices in December as the most important milestone.

GC Rieber Shipping had an operating income for the continuing operation of NOK 34.5 million in the fourth quarter 2016, compared to NOK 35.4 million in the fourth quarter 2015. EBITDA for the continuing operation was negative by NOK 11.7 million in the fourth quarter, compared to negative NOK 5.5 million in the corresponding period 2015. Total fleet utilization was 46 percent, compared to 73 percent in the fourth quarter 2015.

The loss of continuing operations in fourth quarter amounted to NOK 170.3 million, compared with a loss of NOK 110.0 million in the corresponding period 2015. The result in the fourth quarter 2016 is affected by impairment of the fleet of NOK 129.6 million and low activity in the oil related segments.

“During the last year, we have demonstrated an ability to develop our business towards new business segments and forming new partnerships. We successfully established the new marine geophysical company, Shearwater GeoServices AS together with Rasmussengruppen. The new venture owns and operates four high-end, cost effective vessels and is well positioned to expand its market position going forward. Resulting from this establishment, new project backlog was secured during the fourth quarter. Within the subsea segment, the markets remain challenging and we expect this to continue. However, important charters in renewables and cable-lay have been secured for two of our vessels within this segment”, says acting CEO Einar Ytredal.

Source: GC Rieber Shipping