SeaBird Exploration Cancels Munin Explorer Charter
Marine seismic survey provider SeaBird Exploration has entered into a settlement agreement with Ordinat Shipping AS, the owners of Munin Explorer, for the termination of the charter party agreement and redelivery of the vessel. The transaction is conditional on the fulfilment of certain preconditions and is expected to be approximately cash neutral to the company in 2018 and 2019. The company is estimating that the transaction will save in excess of $2 million over the term of the contract, including the forgiveness of the $2.4 million charter hire payment due 30 June 2020. The settlement agreement provides for a three year non-competition restriction whereby the vessel cannot compete in the company's markets.
Seismic 3D Vessel Charter by Seabird Exploration
SeaBird Exploration, through a subsidiary of Ordinat Shipping AS, charters the 3D vessel 'Geo Pacific' from Fugro. The vessel has been fixed on a 4 month time charter, intended to be converted into a 3 year bareboat charter with four one-year options to extend the contract. Furthermore, SeaBird will also have purchase options on the vessel in year three and, to the extent the lease is extended, year four. The vessel is fully equipped and will be a valuable addition to SeaBird's 3D capacity. The Geo Pacific will be SeaBird's second 3D vessel in addition to the Voyager Explorer.