OSLO: Norway’s shipyards are currently a very competitive option for any company looking to commission a new vessel at the moment – not least because they are badly in need of business, sources told Undercurrent News.
Speaking at Danfish 2015 – Denmark’s trade show for fishing vessels and equipment – sources noted that Norway had become extremely competitive for newbuilds in 2015.
“Norwegian shipyards are certainly seeing more interest from fishing vessel owners, with the low NOK, and low fuel prices making it a good time for fishing companies to invest in new vessels,” Ture Korsager, managing director of shipbroker Atlantic Shipping, told Undercurrent.
“The low NOK means we’re seeing many newbuilds,” agreed Leif Andersen, managing director of Intech International, which supplies on-board fish processing equipment.
“Yards there [Norway] are desperate for business, because they need to try and stay open, to keep their workers employed.”
Low oil prices this year have hurt the Norwegian offshore industry, which in turn has meant a knock-on effect for the shipyards which usually have a strong income from servicing it.
In May 2015 shipyard Havyard asked its employees to take a 15% paycut to a four-day work week, which they agreed to.
I’ve heard, in some cases, the contracts Norwegian yards held being canceled,” said Andersen. “I expect in the next few years we will see many newbuilds agreed with Norway, as it is going to work hard to win business. I’ve heard some promising to turn deliveries around in 16 months – very fast.”
With the low NOK and these other factors in its favor, Andersen feels Norway is more competitive than Turkish shipyards at the moment.
