Boskalis posts record profit

Record figures have been announced by Dutch dredging and maritime infrastructure contractor Royal Boskalis Westminster for its 2013 financial year.

Boskalis posted record revenue of €3.5 billion for 2013, up from €3.1 billion in 2012. Net profit also broke company records, at €366 million for 2013 - an increase over 2012’s figure of €249 million.

The Dutch firm’s order book sat at €4 billion for 2013, down on 2012’s backlog of €4.1 billion.

Peter Berdowski, CEO, Boskalis, said, "Last year was another turbulent year - both in the market and for our company; a year in which we acquired Dockwise and took another major step in expanding the company.

"It was also an excellent year from a financial perspective, with the company breaking many of its records.”

Boskalis’ business has been fuelled by growing demand for deep-sea ports with the ability to cater to the new generation of bulk carriers and container ships, as well as by the increasing shift towards offshore locations for oil and gas extraction.

The firm forecasts that business for its dredging and towage activities will remain stable for the next three years. It expects growth from its offshore energy division, especially in the areas of transport, logistics and installation.