Hayfin Capital Management has struck a deal to sell an 11-vessel offshore support fleet managed by German-based United Offshore Support (UOS) to a newly established company backed by what UOS described as leading investors in the maritime sector, according to Splash247. The sale involves the 'GH' anchor handler fleet, which includes anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessels. No price has been disclosed.
Deal Overview
The London-based alternative asset manager agreed to sell the UOS-managed fleet to a newly established company backed by leading investors in the maritime sector, according to the source. The transaction marks a further reshaping of Hayfin's offshore support exposure. Two of the 11 vessels – the 2010-built GH Voyager and GH Freedom – have already been transferred to the new owners. The remaining nine vessels are set to follow over the coming weeks as charter and operational schedules allow.
Vessel Transfer and Management
UOS will continue to provide full commercial, crewing and technical management for the vessels, a role it has held since 2018, according to Splash247. This continuity of management means operations for charterers should see minimal immediate disruption, though the change in ultimate ownership could influence future contract negotiations and fleet deployment strategies.
UOS-Capital Joint Venture
Separately, the UOS-Capital transaction has also closed. Capital Offshore, part of Evangelos Marinakis-led Capital Maritime Group, has completed its acquisition of 50% of UOS from Hayfin after receiving all required approvals, Splash247 reported. The company is set to be renamed UOS Capital. The transaction was first announced last year, under which Capital Offshore and UOS would combine their offshore support vessel management platforms under the new joint venture. The deal brings Capital Offshore’s fleet under the UOS Capital platform, including up to 16 platform supply vessels (PSVs) and four multipurpose support vessels (MPSVs). This significantly expands the combined fleet and strengthens the entity's position in the offshore logistics market.
Hayfin's Shipping Portfolio
Hayfin has been one of shipping’s most active financial investors over the past decade, with exposure across tankers, bulkers, containerships, gas and offshore, according to the source. The company has also built out its own maritime platform, Greenheart Management, to support its shipping investments. The sale of the AHTS fleet reduces Hayfin's direct offshore vessel holdings but aligns with its strategy of recycling capital into other sectors.
For freight forwarders and logistics managers involved in offshore energy supply chains, the transaction signals continued investor interest in offshore support assets and potential consolidation of vessel management under larger platforms. While no immediate rate impacts are reported in the source, the reduced number of owners in the AHTS segment could tighten the spot market for these vessels over time. Operators should monitor vessel availability for upcoming projects, especially as the remaining nine vessels change hands in the coming weeks.
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