Topaz MOA for $29.5m Vessel Sale

Topaz Energy and Marine announced it entered into an MOA for the sale of its DP2 Diving Support Maintenance Barge, Team Siam, to Mermaid Offshore Services Ltd. The $29.5m sale is part of Topaz’s ongoing fleet upgrade programme towards new tonnage and a move towards more deepwater assets which is closely aligned with its long-term corporate strategy.

The Dubai based marine services and oil and gas fabrication company, Topaz Energy and Marine, today announced the divestment of the Team Siam, a DP2 Diving Support Maintenance Barge to Mermaid Offshore Services Ltd. of Thailand. The move comes as a natural progression of Topaz’s long-term relationship with Mermaid and represents exceptional value for both parties.

The Team Siam has been on charter to Mermaid Offshore for over four years. The vessel has performed outstandingly and has proven crucial to Mermaid’s operations. The decision to execute the sale was a logical development and highly beneficial to both Topaz and Mermaid.

In the normal course of business, and in line with its fleet upgrade program towards new and more deepwater assets, Topaz acquires and divests vessels on a regular basis every year. During 2009, Topaz has taken delivery of eight vessels at a value of $109m and its newbuild programme is currently worth over $200m. This considerable investment in growth has seen Topaz’s fleet strength surpass 100 during 2009 and the fleet is expected to grow further in 2010.