Vessel underpins TMS growth plan

TOTAL Marine Services (TMS) has purchased a new utility vessel as part of a broader restructuring program aligned with the company’s growth strategy. TMS is focused on the Australian offshore oil and gas support industry and was acquired by labour hire company Integrated Group in 2002. The company said the $7.25 million offshore support vessel Total Supporter, built in 2001, adds to an already five-strong fleet that has experience in seismic surveying, tugging, fire-fighting and construction. According to TMS, the 45m utility vessel, which will be based at Dampier Port, can perform anchor handling and tug functions for existing clients, which include the North West Shelf joint venture partners, and operators in the Bass Strait BassGas project, the Timor Sea and the Gippsland and Otway Basins. TMS general manager Dion Smith said the purchase of the Total Supporter, along with a recent staff expansion, is part of a strategy to better position the group for further growth opportunities on looming projects. “Right now, Gorgon is our biggest incentive for growth,” he said, adding the company would soon establish an office in Singapore to develop business in the region.