Dutch shipowner Vroon is working on a new strategic direction after completing its protracted financial restructuring.
The company said “all lights have turned green” on what it calls the “new Vroon” under bank control following a debt-for-equity refinancing.
Former owners the Vroon family will retain a small stake as the group focuses on its fleet of 60 product and high-heat tankers, livestock carriers and emergency response and rescue vessels.
“Several options” are still being pursued to wind down the 40-ship offshore support vessel fleet, Vroon said.
A “more focused, lean and financially robust international shipping company” is promised.
Chief executive Herman Marks had agreed to step down after 22 years with the owner when the process was finished.
Vroon has now appointed Dutch shipyard and shipping executive Martijn Schouten as his replacement from 15 June.
“It makes sense to start this new era under new management, which will develop a renewed strategy for the new Vroon,” the shipowner said.
Schouten has previously carried out commercial and mergers and acquisitions roles at Dutch shipbuilder IHC. After leaving IHC in 2016, he became CEO of subsea contractor Tompkins in the UK.
Finance chief Rob Schuyt will continue in the role until a new appointment is made later this year.
“We expect to be making further announcements on management changes in the coming weeks,” Vroon said.
The current supervisory board is stepping down as well. Willem Ledeboer, Rien Zwitsersloot, Dennis Kerkhoven and Magnus Karlsen, and board advisor Ben Vree, will be replaced by Govert Marras-Hamers as chairman and directors Falk Holtmann and Toine van Laack.
Debt has been cut from almost $1bn to $350m.
The offshore fleet comprises 17 platform supply vessels, 16 anchor-handlers and four support ships. There are also five wind installation, service operation and crew transfer ships.
