Ezra Holdings, the integrated support and marine services provider in the offshore oil & gas (O&G) sector, will add four high-end multi-purpose platform supply vessels (PSVs) to its fleet in the light of the positive outlook for the sector. The investment of approximately US$130 million ($168 million) underlines its commitment to strengthening the capabilities of its core businesses and driving its next growth phase.

Meanwhile, Ezra has also announced that EMAS Offshore, the group’s operating entity for offshore support services, has secured letters of intent and/or letters of award for US$51 million worth of new contracts which will charter five anchor, handling, towing and supply (AHTS) vessels and a PSV to oil majors, national as well as independent oil companies, for operations in Asia and Australia. In aggregate, the average period for the new charters will exceed two years.

The US$130 million will fund the purchase of four multi-purpose PSVs of up to 5,200 deadweight tonnes over the next two years. These vessels will meet the latest code of safety and oil recovery guidelines.

The group recently announced the strategic purchase of a well-equipped US fabrication facility in Houston, Texas, which is expected to anchor its position as a global O&G engineering services provider.

This comes shortly after the announcement of Ezra’s proposed US$250 million acquisition of Aker Marine Contractors, an established SURF and floater installation company, which is poised to help the group join the ranks of the world’s top players in the subsea services sector.