Hayfin Capital Management and Breakwater Capital have appointed former Bibby Offshore boss Howard Woodcock to head up its offshore vessel business United Offshore Support, which has agreed to acquire the commercial and technical management businesses of both UOS United Offshore Support GmbH & Co KG and Hartmann Offshore GmbH & Co KG.
UOS currently has a fleet of 13 anchor handling tug support vessels, and the two businesses being acquired have been providing commercial and technical management services to the vessels.
The UOS fleet was built when it made a long-term investment to recapitalise 11 vessels in partnership with the Hartmann Group, while the other two vessels were acquired from struggling E.R. Offshore.
In addition to the appointment of Woodcock to the role of CEO, the company has appointed Carsten Plougmann Andersen as non-executive chairman.
“I am delighted to be joining UOS. The company’s strong financial base and highly experienced team will allow us to continue to expand the fleet and grow the business internationally. Managing assets safely and delivering on our long-term commitment to working with end-users in the offshore industry really differentiates UOS,” Woodcock said of his appointment.
