Keppel Fels Hopes To Grab Hold Of Europe's Offshore Market

Keppel Fels Energy & Infrastructure Ltd, seeking a foothold in the European offshore market, said on Monday it was in talks to take over Dutch repair and conversion yard Verolme Botlek.

The Singapore company gave no indication of the likely cost of acquiring the Rotterdam yard, which has three dry docks and is owned by Wilton Fejinoord Holdings.

"This possible acquisition will provide Keppel Fels with an opportunity to expand our network in Europe and to service our customers in the North Sea," a spokeswoman said.

She said the planned purchase of the yard was in line with the firm's strategy, outlined at the beginning the year, to move physically closer to its customers.