Kotug International announced on Thursday, October 1, that it had taken a majority interest in Dubai-based Vortex Offshore, expanding its offshore maritime operations in the Middle East.
Kotug said Vortex has 11 offshore vessels in its regional fleet and is building four additional vessels. The vessels support offshore energy, marine transportation, towage and related maritime activities.
Vortex will retain its current name and management. Financial terms and the size of the stake were not disclosed.
“The Middle East has been an important region for Kotug for many years through our subsea activities, vessel management operations and regional organization in Dubai,” said Kotug president and chief executive Ard-Jan Kooren.
Kotug’s Dubai office manages maritime operations for customers across the Middle East and Africa.
Kotug acquired UAE-based Marsol International in 2020. At that time, Marsol provided terminal management and maintenance at 32 offshore marine terminals across over 20 countries.
The company subsequently agreed to acquire Seaways International in April 2022, completing the acquisition in August that year. The UAE-based offshore vessel operator became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Kotug Group.
Seaways operated anchor-handling tugs, fast crew suppliers and cargo barges, and provided terminal-management services.