Oslo-listed marine seismic company SeaBird Exploration is working to reduce costs further in the wake of uncertainty caused by low oil prices and COVID-19. The company said that in the worst-case scenario it would target to cut the spending to less than $400,000 per month.
"The COVID-19 outbreak continues to affect the global economy as well as oil demand. While market uncertainty is high, the Company continues to work with its clients as usual. However, to cope with the uncertainty and preserve cash, the Company has decided to reduce costs further and postpone capex until the market situation normalizes and/or we see concrete work for the vessels affected by this," SeaBird Exploration said.
SeaBird said that the immediate effects of the COVID-19 situation for the company were operational.
"In particular, crew changes for existing projects and mobilization of crew for new projects are made difficult by travel and immigration restrictions. This may have an impact on operational cost, due to additional salaries and increased travel costs caused by the restrictions," SeaBird said.
"Worst case, projects may also be delayed or canceled due to the logistical challenges created by the COVID-19 restrictions. So far, the main effect for the company has been the termination of two OBN surveys off West Africa as announced on April 7th," the company said.
Furthermore, SeaBird has put in place contingency plans to reduce costs further and place the vessels idle "at a very low cost" in the event of a prolonged period of economic shutdown.
"In such an event, our ambition is to be able to run the company at less than USD 400k per month including all stacking costs and SG&A, while maintaining ability to operate at least two vessels on contracts simultaneously. Based on contract negotiations and clients existing plans, management currently has no reason to believe that it will be necessary for the company to execute on its contingency plans," SeaBird said.
Also, SeaBird is postponing its capital expenditure, and will, as part of that effort, postpone the remaining outfitting of the Fulmar Explorer vessel until markets normalize and/or the vessel sees a contract award.
"Meanwhile, we will reengineer the project with an ambition to reduce the capex need further. Further, the company has finished all preparatory work for rigging of the Geo Barents. The vessel has been bid for a contract in the Eastern hemisphere, and the actual rigging will take place upon the e contract award. The remaining cost for rigging the vessel is estimated to be no more than USD 600k" SeaBird said.
"In sum, the actions taken will help the Company preserve cash and enable it to weather a prolonged downturn in our markets," the company added.