DOF Deepwater AS (“DOF Deepwater”), which is jointly controlled by Akastor and DOF ASA (“DOF”) and which has been part of Akastor’s legacy portfolio since the demerger from Aker Solutions in 2014, has entered into a term sheet with its lenders on a restructuring of its debt that secures continued operations up to second half of 2023.

The restructuring of DOF Deepwater involves i.a. the following principles: 

• Akastor ownership: DOF shall transfer all of its shares in DOF Deepwater to Akastor, who will own all shares in the company and assume full operational responsibility over DOF Deepwater and its five vessels (Skandi Emerald, Skandi Peregrino, Skandi Saigon, Skandi Pacific and Skandi Atlantic); 
• Debt restructuring: 50% of the current debt in DOF Deepwater shall be converted to equity and the remaining 50% (i.e. about NOK 520 million) shall remain on existing terms, including a parent company guarantee from Akastor ASA, albeit with certain adjustments that include i.a. no fixed instalments except an upfront repayment of NOK 20 million, Maturity Date being 3 years after closing, i.e. around Q3/Q4 2023;
• Profit split: At time of divestment of the vessels, which is planned to take place on or around Maturity Date, the sales proceeds after transaction costs shall be shared 50/50 between the lenders and DOF Deepwater. 
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  Akastor CEO, Karl Erik Kjelstad says: 

“We are pleased to reach this agreement with the DOF Deepwater lenders, as it will give the company a predictable and viable financial structure for the coming three years. DOF Deepwater operates in a market which remains challenging, but with this financial structure and the relative modern and versatile fleet, the company should be well positioned to remain as a market player and thereby secure revenue in a more normalized market in the future.” 

Closing is i.a. subject to final agreements being entered into and is expected to take place in Q3 2020. 

As from closing, DOF Deepwater will be consolidated into Akastor Group as a subsidiary. At latest prior to closing, DOF Deepwater will change its name to DDW Offshore AS.