GC Rieber Shipping and Rasmussengruppen have signed an agreement to form a new marine geophysical company called Shearwater GeoServices AS.

Shearwater GeoServices would be equally owned by both companies.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Shearwater GeoServices will look to be become an integrated provider of marine geophysical services to oil and gas companies globally. The deal is expected to close by the fourth quarter of 2016.

Beginning with four modern and high-capacity seismic vessels, the firm will provide cost-effective solutions to its clients.  

GC Rieber Shipping CEO Irene Waage Basili said: “Over a period of time, we have examined opportunities to establish a new geophysical company, based on the four high-end vessels we currently own.

"We have examined opportunities to establish a new geophysical company, based on the four high-end vessels we currently own."

“In Rasmussengruppen, we have found a partner who shares our view of the opportunities offered by the geophysical market at present, and, equally important, who shares our vision to build and develop Shearwater into a leading player in the industry.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Rasmussengruppen has vast experience in investing in maritime industries and oil services.

Rasmussengruppen group CEO Dag Rasmussen said: “Shearwater is set up from the start with a modern and cost-efficient fleet, an experienced organisation, and a solid financial platform. Supported by GC Rieber's extensive industry experience, we believe Shearwater will have a unique position in the market that can also consider further strategic opportunities."

GC Rieber Shipping and Rasmussengruppen will own the company 50/50.

Shearwater will take over the four high-capacity seismic vessels: Polar Empress, Polar Duke, Polar Duchess, and Polar Marquis.

The partners will also inject $60m in equity in the form of cash. Terms have been renegotiated with the lending banks for the four vessels.

Under the new terms, there will be a 75% reduction in installments compared with the original repayment profile until June 2019, and an extension of loans terms until 2022 year-end.

Furthermore, Shearwater has agreed on the main terms to purchase the seismic equipment, including streamers and the operative entity, Dolphin Geophysical UK Ltd, which includes the processing business from the former lending banks of Dolphin Geophysical ASA.