Maritime & Offshore

With a share of more than 80% of global trade, shipping plays a crucial role in the global economy. An impressive share, which also directly indicates the great importance of (sea) shipping.

When trade flows start to falter or shift, ports and shipping often feel it first. And because of the hectic times, this has been a frequent issue recently. The problems raised by COVID-19, such as closed ports, disrupted shipping lanes and crews unable to disembark, has been further exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. Geopolitical tensions are also having a major impact on the maritime sector. And all this as the industry prepares to reduce its environmental footprint.

The offshore sector is seeking new markets and is moving with the energy transition from conventional energy sources to renewables. The energy crisis slowed this transition and led to record profits for oil and gas exploration and production companies. Yet a shift could be seen, with global investments in renewables surpassing those in oil and gas for the first time in 2022.

The maritime industry has proved resilient in the turbulent past few years. The industry has a long history in which disruptions, inconvenience and uncertainty have always played a role. The ability to respond appropriately to developments and changes can probably be linked to years of collective experience and preparedness.

At JBR, we boast a maritime consulting history since 1984. We have moved with and lived with the many waves this sector has experienced over the past decades. We are happy to assist you with our experience, knowledge and skills in future strategic choices, investment issues and to help you understand the issues.

JBR advises clients in the Maritime & Offshore sector

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JBR the right choice

sector knowledge

Track record

JBR has 40 years of experience in the Maritime & Offshore sector. Clients include ship owners and operators of tankers and bulk carriers, tugboat owners, offshore service operators, inland waterway companies, tank terminal operators, terminal operators, port authorities, ship builders, system integrators, ship managers, suppliers to the maritime and offshore industry, investors and companies active in the field of sustainability.

Dedicated team

The JBR Maritime & Offshore team has extensive experience with issues within the maritime and offshore domain in both strategic and corporate finance and restructuring areas.

The team also works across sectors, for example on key themes such as offshore wind and hydrogen in conjunction with the Energy & Environment cluster of which several members of the Maritime & Offshore team are also part.

International network

In addition to an office in the Netherlands, JBR also has an office in Belgium, with an extensive network in the Port of Antwerp. JBR is also a member of REACH, the international M&A network in which international issues are jointly addressed.

Also, in cooperation with REACH, JBR publishes the Maritime& Offshore Newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific topical theme.

Track record

Dedicated team

International network

Watch this film with our take on these dilemmas.

An aging fleet and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions requires investment in new ships. Uncertainty among shipowners about future technological developments, the most cost-effective fuels, available infrastructure, as well as changing regulations and carbon prices, is delaying these investments.

In the near future, the deciding factor for shippers in electing a type of ship will no longer be freight rates, but rather environmental criteria. This makes it even more urgent for shipowners to invest in clean ships.

New technologies are being adopted throughout the maritime sector and digital systems are also being implemented. This is necessary for a more efficient maritime sector. Due to the many applications and interconnections, there is a high exposure to cyber crime risks which makes the sector vulnerable to cyber criminals. It is important to invest in "smart digitization strategies." The somewhat cautious approach of the maritime industry to these risks originates from the fact that this has generally not yet been given a high priority.

In recent years, the maritime industry has faced additional logistical challenges, with the increase in demand for tonnage far outstripping supply, resulting in rising rates and declining operational reliability. Coping with such disruptions requires a high degree of supply chain flexibility. Requiring therefore, in this polarizing world, stronger cooperation between industry, ports, governments and other stakeholders to keep critical infrastructure open and to allow free movement of goods, capital and labor.

There is an increasing shortage of personnel and crew. The impact of the manning crisis caused by COVID-19, the reduction of crew from Russia and Ukraine are reinforcing this shortage. At the same time, there is a decline in willingness. Why still choose a job at sea, with its associated pros and cons and uncertainties, when there is plenty of challenging work on land. For maritime employers, it is important to create a safe and pleasant working environment, where diversity, equality and inclusion are important aspects of attracting young talent and retaining seafarers.

The offshore sector is increasingly developing renewable energy generation services. The energy crisis has created awareness about energy security. What will the next step look like to achieve an affordable and sustainable energy supply and what role does the offshore sector play in this?

All of the above developments require investment. Access to capital is increasingly dictated by the "greenness" and sustainability of investments.

Cluster within REACH, the international M&A network

The maritime and offshore sectors are an international industry and capital intensive, where knowledge and experience have an important role to play

JBR has taken the lead in combining the REACH's maritime knowledge, experience and network; the result is a specialized M&A Maritime and Offshore Cluster, in which eight firms are represented.

REACH M&A - Maritime and offshore cluster