BOURBON has strengthened its offshore support fleet with the addition of 13 vessels since the beginning of 2026, in an expansion valued at more than $180 million. The company said the development was made possible by the support of its new shareholders and reflected its ability to deploy strategic assets aligned with offshore market requirements.
The expansion includes targeted acquisitions in the group’s core vessel segments. BOURBON completed the acquisition of six diesel-electric vessels from Minsheng Group, comprising five platform supply vessels and one 80 t bollard pull anchor handling tug supply vessel. The company said these vessels complement asset types already operated by the group, supporting smooth operational integration and rapid mobilization.
The group also acquired two large-capacity platform supply vessels from ICBC, Bourbon Front and Bourbon Clear. These vessels follow the X-Bow vessel of the same series, Bourbon Calm, which was acquired in September 2025. BOURBON said the acquisitions strengthen its ability to offer clients immediately available vessels suited to offshore operational requirements in markets where the group has long-standing expertise.
Chief executive officer Gaël Bodénès said the group had expanded its fleet, secured significant investments and quickly returned vessels to service for customers within a few months. He said the momentum toward profitability and growth was the result of the transformation launched in early 2025 and the dedication of the company’s teams.
BOURBON also reactivated two 80 t diesel-electric anchor handling tug supply vessels. The company said this demonstrated its ability to rapidly restore the operational potential of laid-up assets while responding with industrial efficiency and agility to market demand.
In February 2026, BOURBON took delivery of Bourbon Evolution 810, the latest newbuild vessel in the Evolution 800 series. Designed for deepwater subsea operations and fully suited to inspection, maintenance, and repair work, the vessel is equipped with two active heave-compensated cranes, including a 150 t main crane, diesel-electric propulsion, an upgraded DP3 system, firefighting and anti-pollution capabilities, accommodation for up to 105 personnel, and two 200 hp ROVs. Delivered in Singapore, the vessel is due to start a long-term contract in South Asia in the second quarter.
The fleet ramp-up also includes two 27 m crew boats delivered in Congo at the end of 2025. The vessels started a five-year contract in February. BOURBON said their modularity, onboard comfort and energy efficiency reflect the new generation of vessels developed by the company.
Chief financial officer François Sordet said that following restructuring and closing operations finalized in 2025, supported by operational improvements, BOURBON’s financial health had been restored. He added that after these investments, the group had a cleansed balance sheet and reduced financial debt leverage to below 1.5x EBITDA for 2025, while continuing to seek opportunities to support long-term growth.
