Boskalis plans to cut fleet and workforce
Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. (Boskalis) has completed its fleet rationalization study announced earlier this year. The study was initiated in light of deteriorating market conditions and an expected prolonged period of low energy and commodity prices. Based on the results of the study it has been decided to take 24 vessels out of service in the coming two years. This will result in the loss of approximately 650 jobs worldwide during this period, the Group says in its press release.
Peter Berdowski, CEO Boskalis:
"After a few very busy years the market outlook for Boskalis has changed drastically as a result of continuing low energy and commodity prices. The volume of work in the market has fallen sharply and this is putting pressure on the utilization rate of our vessels. Because we expect these market conditions to persist in the coming years it is essential that we adapt the size and composition of our fleet to this new reality. We are fully aware that this intended decision is drastic and that it will have a major social impact. While we will try to absorb the work force reduction through attrition and redeployment wherever possible, compulsory redundancies unfortunately look to be unavoidable. A reduction of the number of vessels and jobs is however necessary to ensure that Boskalis remains healthy going forward."
With the completion of the study the decision has been made to take 24 vessels out of service in the 2016-2018 period, of which ten at the Dredging division and fourteen at the Offshore Energy division. These will include trailing suction hopper dredgers, cutter suction dredgers, anchor handling tugs and heavy transport vessels. The fleet rationalization will be implemented through the scrapping, sale and lay-up of vessels. The average age of the vessels earmarked for scrapping or sale is in excess of 30 years. Vessels offered for scrapping will be dismantled at certified shipyards in accordance with the Hong Kong Convention and Boskalis' own standards.
The fleet rationalization will also have implications for the workforce, with a total of around 650 employees to be made redundant. In terms of composition it concerns a cross-section of nationalities, with around 150 Dutch staff on Dutch payroll being affected. Where possible the workforce reduction will be absorbed through attrition and redeployment. Despite this, compulsory redundancies cannot be ruled out. Boskalis has requested the formal opinion of the Dutch Works Council and will invite the trade unions to consult on a social plan in the short term.
The fleet rationalization has no implications for Boskalis' strategy, which is aimed at benefitting from key macroeconomic factors that drive worldwide demand in our markets: expansion of the global economy, increase in energy consumption, global population growth and the challenges associated with climate change.