Dockwise has been studying the feasibility of investing in a new semi-submersible monohull vessel, bigger than its current largest vessel, the Blue Marlin. This so-called “Type 0” vessel, will have a capacity of more than 100,000 metric tons, and a decksize of 275 x 70 meters and will be a first for the maritime transport industry.
It is expected to require a total investment of approximately USD 200 million. Dockwise has applied for a patent on the vessel’s design. The decision is subject to approval by a Special General Meeting of shareholders to authorize the proposed USD 100 million rights issue to part-finance the investment.
Business Rationale for the New Build Vessel
The majority of Dockwise’s revenues originate from the Oil & Gas industry. Current trends for projects and equipment in this industry are distinctly towards greater scale and size for premier projects:
– Exploration and production is shifting from shallow water in traditional areas to deep water and remote areas.
– Industry demand is for larger, heavier equipment, in single transportable modules.
– Plant and equipment is increasingly constructed in dedicated, low cost environments ahead of transportation.
Bowless Design
Dockwise’s close liaison with customers commissioning production platforms, sparbuoys and FPSOs, to be deployed in offshore projects in the coming decade, has given Dockwise a view of the scale and complexity of the transportation demands, it will be required to meet as the industry leader. The new vessel, which has already passed its tank tests, will exhibit a revolutionary bowless design for key operational advantage.
It is expected that the vessel will be occupied when it will come out of the shipyard in the latter part of 2012. Dockwise is currently in the process of negotiating with selected first rate shipyards for construction of the new vessel.
Financing of the Investment
The investment in the new Type 0 vessel is expected to require approximately USD 200 million. In order to cater for a prudent financing of the vessel, Dockwise intends to raise approximately USD 100 million through a fully committed rights issue. Dockwise intends to reduce the total amount outstanding under the senior credit facilities with approximately USD 110 million from the net proceeds of the rights issue and available cash on the balance sheet. Furthermore, Dockwise intends to increase its current revolving facility by USD 110 million. For this, four banks (ABN AMRO Bank, Deutsche Bank, Rabobank, The Royal Bank of Scotland) have committed funds.
The Rights Issue
A Special General Meeting of shareholders (SGM) to authorize the rights issue will be called for 23 November 2010. The company will prepare a prospectus in relation to the Rights Issue, which will, subject to applicable securities laws, be published prior to the start of the subscription period.
