Fletcher buys

Low-profile Fletcher Shipping is said to have doubled its fleet from a single offshore vessel to two with the purchase of a Trico Marine Services unit.

Brokerage sources report Friday that the Aberdeen based owner has purchased the 7,200-bhp Northern Gambler (built 1996), an Ulstein Verft-built platform supply vessel (PSV).

The Northern Gambler

Led by managing director Keith Fletcher, Fletcher Shipping emerged in 2007 with the purchase of the 6,600-bhp FS Aquarius (built 1991).

"Our growth strategy includes the acquisition of further tonnage from 2009 onwards," the company's website says.

Fletcher Shipping could not be reached after UK business hours Friday, and a Trico representative did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Trico finance chief Geoff Jones revealed this week that the Houston-based offshore vessel owner sold the Northern Gambler, but he did not disclose the price or the buyer.

Trico acquired the Northern Gambler in its 1997 purchase of Norway's Saevik Supply.

In its latest earnings report, Trico said it had a fleet of 52 subsea vessels, anchor handlers, PSVs and offshore supply vessels.

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