Date: 18 August 2017

GC Rieber Shipping - first half 2017 results


GC Rieber Shipping ASA had positive operational development through the first half of 2017 and continue its efforts to establish a long-term robust platform for all its marine operations. The establishment of Shearwater GeoServices has been successful and the ice/support segment remains stable and healthy. Within the subsea segment the capacity utilisation has been significantly higher than in previous periods. This provides a solid basis for the ongoing restructuring efforts for the subsea fleet.

GC Rieber Shipping had an operating income of NOK 132.8 million in the first half year 2017, compared to NOK 117.0 million for the corresponding period 2016. EBITDA for the first six months of 2017 was NOK 23.0 million compared to NOK 22.2 million first half 2016. Total fleet utilisation was 81 percent, compared to 45 percent in the first half 2016.

The result before tax for the first six months 2017 was negative NOK 84.5 million, compared with a loss of NOK 157.7 million in the corresponding period 2016.  The result for the first half 2017 is affected by impairment of the fleet of NOK 25.3 million.

"We are pleased to have seen an improvement in utilisation and results for the first half of the year despite continued challenging markets. Most efforts are now being targeted towards establishing a new, robust platform for our subsea operations. The fleet has been performing well and we see more opportunities ahead. However, rate levels and earnings are still not at a sustainable level. When a long term solution for this segment is in place, GC Rieber Shipping with its long and solid marine competence, will have a solid foundation for pursuing new opportunities", says acting CEO Einar Ytredal.

Christian W. Berg was earlier this year appointed new Group CEO. He will take on his new position effective from 18 August. Einar Ytredal who has been acting CEO will continue in his previous position as CFO of the Group. Acting CFO Øystein Kvåle will at the same time return to his position in GC Rieber AS.

Please find the report and presentation for the first half 2017 enclosed.

A presentation via webcast of the company's results will be held on GC Rieber Shipping's website, www.gcrieber-shipping.com, today at 08.30 a.m. A recorded version of the presentation will be available on the website after the webcast is finished.

For further information, please contact:

 Acting CEO Einar Ytredal, tel: (+47) 975 20 184

About GC Rieber Shipping:

GC Rieber Shipping's business within offshore/shipping includes ownership in specialized vessels, high quality marine ship management and project development within the segments subsea, ice/support and marine seismic.

The group has a specialized competence in offshore operations in harsh environments as well as design, development and maritime operation of offshore vessels.

GC Rieber Shipping currently operates and has direct and indirect ownership in 11 advanced special purpose vessels for defined markets within the subsea, ice/support and marine seismic segments.

The company has its headquarter and a ship management office in Bergen, and an additional ship management company in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (Russia). The company is listed on Oslo Børs with ticker RISH. 

Further information is available on the company's website www.gcrieber-shipping.com.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

First half year 2017 Report

First half year 2017 Presentation