PETALING JAYA: Keyfield International Bhd
has acquired a 2014-built Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel for RM29.6mil as part of its fleet expansion strategy.
In a statement, the offshore support vessel provider said its wholly-owned subsidiary, Keyfield Resolute Sdn Bhd, had entered into a memorandum of agreement to acquire the vessel, which will be renamed Keyfield Joyful.
The vessel, which has operated in Indonesia, Australia, Singapore and Bangladesh, is expected to be deployed in the second half of financial year 2026 (2H26) to support growing demand in the offshore support vessel market.
Keyfield also plans to invest between RM3mil and RM4mil to progressively upgrade the vessel’s technical specifications, including its bollard pull, accommodation capacity and Dynamic Positioning 2 capabilities.
Group chief executive officer and group executive director Datuk Darren Kee Chit Huei said the acquisition would immediately expand the group’s AHTS capacity and enable it to pursue new tenders and spot charter opportunities without affecting existing commitments.
He said the group had recently mobilised three AHTS vessels to the Middle East and was strengthening its fleet to meet robust local demand.
“The medium-term outlook for the domestic offshore support vessel sector remains highly resilient, with widening supply shortages projected for AHTS under 80 tonnes.
“By acquiring Keyfield Joyful, it provides our group with an opportunity to deploy into the tight local market to earn immediate income.
“We will further enhance its marketability by upgrading its technical specifications,” Kee said.
The acquisition forms part of Keyfield’s fleet expansion plan, which is expected to increase its owned fleet from 14 vessels currently to 18 vessels by 2028.
Keyfield said the purchase would be fully funded through the remaining proceeds from its sukuk issuance in December 2024.
The group expects the acquisition to contribute positively to earnings and net assets in 2H26 upon successful deployment of the vessel.
