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GMS

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FY2015 Annual Report · GMS
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CONTINUED 
DELIVERY  
IN A 
CHALLENGING 
MARKET

Gulf Marine Services PLC 
Annual Report 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015 – HIGHLIGHTS

LEADING THE WAY 
IN OFFSHORE SUPPORT 
SOLUTIONS FOR THE OIL,  
GAS AND RENEWABLE  
ENERGY INDUSTRIES

Financial Highlights
•  Revenue increased by 12% to  

US$ 219.7 million (15% increase  
on a constant currency* basis)  
(2014: US$ 196.6 million).

•  Healthy cash flows generated from 
operations, EBITDA up 11% to US$ 
138.5 million (16% increase on a 
constant currency* basis) (2014 
EBITDA: US$ 124.8 million). Good 
EBITDA margin of 63% (2014: 64%).
•  Adjusted* net profit after taxation for 
the year increased by 4% to US$ 84.9 
million (2014: US$ 81.3 million excluding 
IPO costs), 11% increase on a constant 
currency* basis. 

•  Adjusted* diluted earnings per share 
in the year was broadly flat at 24.05 
cents (2014: 23.71 cents), on a constant 
currency* basis growth was 7%.

•  Final dividend for the year proposed 
of 1.20 pence (1.74 cents) per share 
taking total 2015 dividend payments 
to 1.61 pence (2.43 cents).
•  Net debt of US$ 398.9 million 
(including obligations under  
finance leases of US$ 94.6 million)  

(2014: US$ 273.6 million) and recently 
negotiated committed undrawn  
bank facilities of US$ 225.0 million  
at 31 December 2015.

•  All three new build vessels were 

delivered on time and within budget in 
the year and proceeded immediately 
to their first charters. 

•  New US$ 620.0 million debt facility 
secured in Q4 2015, improved 
borrowing margins, extended 
maturity and with no change to 
previous covenants. 

 Operational Highlights
•  Continued high SESV fleet utilisation 

• 

of 98% in 2015. 
In 2015 the Group was awarded a new 
long-term contract for a Large Class 
vessel in the MENA region and its first 
decommissioning project was secured 
for a Large Class vessel operating in 
the Southern North Sea.

•  A new long-term contract for a Large 
Class vessel operating in the Dutch 
sector of the North Sea commenced 
in 2015.

•  Newly designed Mid-Size Class SESVs 

introduced to the fleet and well 
received by clients.

•  Exercise of purchase option to  

acquire the leased SESV Pepper  
for US$ 51.0 million. 

•  Very good HSE performance sustained 
during a year of significantly increased 
man hours worked.

•  Relocation of our integrated build 

model to a new yard, which will deliver 
greater operational efficiencies.

Outlook
•  Secured backlog of US$ 443.9 million 
as at 1 March 2016, comprising US$ 
210.2 million firm and US$ 233.7 million 
extension options. 
In 2016 EBITDA is expected to be 15 to 
20% lower than in 2015 and earnings 
per share is expected to be 
approximately 25 to 30% lower. 

• 

•  Expected peak net debt level in 2016 
of approximately US$ 435.0 million 
before reducing to around US$ 425.0 
million by year end. 

INTRODUCTION 

2015 – Highlights 

GMS at a Glance 

Chairman’s Statement 

STRATEGIC REPORT 

Chief Executive’s Review 

Our Business Model 

Our Strategy 

Key Performance Indicators 

Risk Management 

PERFORMANCE

Operational Review 

Financial Review 

Corporate Social Responsibility 

GOVERNANCE 

IFC

Chairman’s Introduction 

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Board of Directors 

Corporate Governance 

Report of the Audit and Risk Committee 

Report of the Remuneration Committee 

Report of the Nomination Committee 

Directors’ Report 

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Group Consolidated Financial Statements 

Company Financial Statements 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

Notice of AGM 

Glossary 

Corporate Information 

• 

 Working with clients and actively 
expanding the existing services the 
fleet can deliver, with new cost-
effective solutions that will allow GMS 
to target a broader market share by 
supplanting more expensive less 
flexible non-propelled drilling rigs.
•  Timing of future fleet expansion 

beyond 2016 will be driven by our 
assessment of factors affecting 
market demand, principally the oil 
price outlook.

•  Following completion of the new build 
programme net debt levels should 
reduce and, subject to the market 
outlook, the Group will have the 
capacity to look to increase returns  
to shareholders through the most 
appropriate mechanism at the time. 

•  Business model and strategy 

designed to help the Group navigate 
through the current challenging 
market conditions. 

The above highlights are based on the Group’s adjusted 
results. A full reconciliation between the adjusted and 
statutory results is contained in note 6 to the consolidated 
financial statements. 

* Please refer to the Glossary.

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GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONGMS AT A GLANCE

A WORLD LEADER  
IN SESVs

Gulf Marine Services is the operator  
of the world’s largest fleet of advanced  
self-propelled Self-Elevating Support  
Vessels (SESVs). 

About Us
GMS’ assets provide a stable platform 
for the delivery of a wide range of  
services performed by the Group’s clients 
throughout the total lifecycle of offshore 
oil, gas and renewable energy activities.  
The vessels are capable of operations in  
the Middle East, South East Asia, West 
Africa and Europe. 

The Group constructs and maintains  
its vessels at its yard in Abu Dhabi; its 
extensive new build programme makes  
the GMS fleet the most sophisticated in  
the industry. The current fleet of SESVs 
comprises 14 vessels; GMS will increase  
this to 15 vessels by the end of 2016.

Our Offering 
The Group’s SESV fleet is technically 
advanced and amongst the youngest  
in the industry, with an average age of  
seven years. The SESVs are four-legged 
vessels that move independently, with no 
requirement for anchor handling or tug 
support. They have a large deck space, 
crane capacity and accommodation facilities 
that can be adapted to the requirements  
of the Group’s clients. 

These vessels support GMS’ clients in  
a broad range of offshore oil and gas 
platform refurbishment and maintenance 
activities, well intervention work and 
offshore wind turbine maintenance  
work (which are opex-led activities) and 
offshore oil and gas platform installation  
and offshore wind turbine installation  
(which are capex-led activities). 

2

Three classes of vessels serve a range of client needs

Large Class
•  3 units + 1 to be constructed

•  Average age: 4 years

•  Water depth: 65–80m

•  Accommodation for up  

to 300 people

•  Harsh weather capable

Mid-Size Class
•  3 units

•  Average age: less than a year

•  Water depth: 55m

•  Accommodation for up  

to 300 people

•  Harsh weather capable

Small Class
•  8 units

•  Average age: 11 years 
(8 years excl Naashi)

•  Water depth: 45m

•  Accommodation for up  

to 300 people

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015 
GMS Fleet of SESVs 

Large Class Vessels 

Year of Delivery

GMS Enterprise
GMS Endeavour
GMS Endurance

2014
2011
2010

Mid-Size Class Vessels 

Year of Delivery

GMS Sharqi 
GMS Scirocco
GMS Shamal

2016
2015
2015

Small Class Vessels

Year of Delivery

Pepper
Kinoa
Keloa
Kudeta
Kawawa
Kikuyu
Kamikaze
Naashi

2015
2012
2009
2008
2006
2005
1999
1982

History 
GMS was established in Abu Dhabi, UAE  
in 1977. In 2007 the Group was acquired  
by a consortium of investors, led by private 
equity firm Gulf Capital, and a new senior 
management team was appointed, headed  
by the current CEO Duncan Anderson.  
At this time, the Group was operating  
three self-propelled SESVs (with a fourth 
undergoing refurbishment) and had another 
under construction. Within just eight years, 
GMS has successfully expanded its fleet  
and geographical coverage, from a local 
operation in Abu Dhabi to become the  
number one player in the Middle East, and  
is now the largest operator of self-propelled 
SESVs in the world. The Group listed on the 
London Stock Exchange in March 2014.

The current SESV fleet stands at 14  
vessels (as at March 2016); it also has an 
accommodation barge and two anchor-
handling tug support (AHTS) vessels.

GMS Supports:
 – Well intervention services 
and enhanced oil recovery
 – Drilling support, completions  

and testing

 – Platform construction, 

hookup and commissioning

 – Platform restoration and 

maintenance

 – Coil tubing, wireline  

and snubbing

 – Well abandonment and 

decommissioning

 – Wind turbine installation  

and maintenance

The first Large Class vessel, which opened 
up a market sector where vessels can 
operate in harsh weather and deeper water 
environments, was constructed in 2010, with 
a second delivered in 2011. In 2010 when GMS 
Endurance was completed it was initially 
deployed in Saudi Arabia, whilst the second, 
GMS Endeavour, was mobilised to the North 
Sea; both markets were a first for GMS and 
allowed the Group to continue its growth 
strategy and to expand its geographic and 
client footprint beyond the UAE where it had 
predominantly been working up to that time. 
GMS operated entirely in the oil and gas 
sector until 2011 when it entered the offshore 
wind power installation market in North West 
Europe with one of its Large Class vessels, 
GMS Endeavour. 

In 2014 GMS embarked on a programme  
to expand the fleet by a further six SESVs. 
Five of these vessels have been successfully 
delivered on time and within budget and the 
sixth one, GMS Evolution, is scheduled for 
completion at the end of 2016.

The information in this section is as of 1 March 2016.

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GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONCHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

4

I am very pleased to 
be introducing Gulf 
Marine Services’ 
second Annual Report. 
The Group performed 
very well in 2015 
against a background 
of low oil prices, 
successfully delivering 
on its business 
strategy.

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015We can report a solid set of results for 2015. 
Revenue has grown 12% to US$ 219.7 million 
and EBITDA increased to US$ 138.5 million, 
with a continued good EBITDA margin  
of 63% (2014: 64%). Adjusted* net profit 
after taxation rose to US$ 84.9 million and 
adjusted* diluted earnings per share in  
the year was broadly flat at 24.05 cents. 

During 2015, three new build vessels were 
delivered on time and within budget and  
all three proceeded directly to their first 
contracts in the Middle East. Fleet expansion 
continues to be part of our strategy. Further 
additions to the fleet beyond 2016 are still  
to be decided upon and will be driven by our 
assessment of the factors affecting market 
demand, principally the oil price outlook. 

An existing Large Class vessel commenced  
a new long-term contract in the Middle East 
and a further Large Class vessel was also 
chartered to a new long-term contract  
in Europe. 

As at 1 March 2016, our backlog stands at 
US$ 443.9 million, with approximately 50%  
of this being contracted during 2015 when 
the oil price averaged US$ 53.0 a barrel. 

I am pleased to report that the Board has 
recommended a final dividend for the year 
of 1.20 pence (1.74 cents) per share subject 
to shareholders’ approval at the AGM on 
11 May 2016 and this will be paid on 16 May 
2016. The total dividend for the year is 1.61 

pence per share (2.43 cents) representing 
10% of adjusted* net profit. The Group’s 
dividend policy looks to maximise 
shareholder value and reflect GMS’ strong 
earnings and cash flow characteristics, while 
allowing the retention of sufficient capital to 
invest in long-term growth for the Group.  
As the period of intensive capital investment 
associated with the current new build 
programme concludes in 2016, the Board  
will consider the potential for further 
increased shareholder returns.

Throughout 2015 we continued to seek  
ways to enhance our offering. Early in 2016 
we were proud to announce that we are at 
the advanced design stage of a bespoke 
cantilever system for our SESVs. We 
anticipate that this exciting innovation will 
help to widen significantly the scope of work 
opportunities in supporting well services for 
GMS. Further information on this is included 
later in this report. 

In 2015 we saw a marked reduction in the  
oil price compared to recent years and this 
hampered the rate of growth we delivered in 
the year. While we are protected against the 
current market challenges to some extent  
as most of our operations are brownfield 
opex-related, with the majority of our 
vessels working in the low production cost 
MENA region, we did see some pressure on 
EBITDA margins in the latter part of 2015. 
We expect that a sustained low oil price will 
have a continued compression effect in 2016. 

While it is difficult currently to assess 
accurately what the impact on our trading 
will be, we are focused on maintaining vessel 
utilisation and our business model and 
strategy will help us continue our ongoing 
successful operations. 

As detailed elsewhere in this report, it  
has been a particularly busy year for the 
organisation. As staffing levels increased 
and the number of man hours worked rose 
significantly to 7.7 million, we maintained  
our focus on upholding our high levels of 
health and safety across the business and 
sustained a very good safety performance.  
I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognise and commend all staff and 
contractors, both onshore and offshore,  
for their hard work during the year and for 
successfully executing a significant number 
of projects. 

Looking forward, the Group is well-funded, 
with a healthy balance sheet and good 
operating margins. I am confident that under 
the leadership of our CEO Duncan Anderson 
and his strong management team, GMS is  
in a good position to manage the current 
challenges facing the industry. 

Simon Heale
Chairman
21 March 2016

* Please refer to the Glossary.

5

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTION 
STRATEGIC REPORT

6

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015STRATEGIC REPORT
Chief Executive’s Review 
Our Business Model 
Our Strategy 
Key Performance Indicators 
Risk Management 

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GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONCHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

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GMS performed solidly 
in 2015. We maintained 
very high utilisation 
and good charter  
rates overall while 
successfully delivering 
on our business 
strategy to expand 
our fleet of SESVs  
and grow the business, 
although a background 
of low oil prices did 
hamper our rate of 
growth in 2015. 

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015Group Financial Performance
Revenue increased by 12% compared to 
2014 to US$ 219.7 million (2014: US$ 196.6 
million). On a constant currency* basis the 
increase in revenue was 15%. During the 
year adjusted* net profit after taxation 
increased by 4% to US$ 84.9 million (2014: 
US$ 81.3 million excluding IPO costs), 11% 
increase on a constant currency* basis. 

EBITDA increased to US$ 138.5 million  
(2014: US$ 124.8 million after adding back 
non-operational IPO costs), with a good 
EBITDA margin of 63% (2014: 64%). The 
proposed final dividend for the year is 
recommended to be 1.20 pence (1.74 cents) 
per share subject to shareholders’ approval 
at the AGM on 11 May 2016 and this will be 
paid on 16 May 2016, giving a total dividend 
for the year of 1.61 pence (2.43 cents). 

The Group was pleased to announce in  
Q4 2015 a new US$ 620 million debt facility, 
which both extends the maturity of our  
debt profile and delivers lower borrowing 
margins. There was US$ 225.0 million of 
undrawn bank facilities at 31 December 2015, 
providing security of financing for the 
foreseeable future.

High Fleet Utilisation
GMS has maintained its very high SESV 
utilisation level achieving a rate of 98% in 
2015. Our cost-effective offshore solutions 
are continuing to be employed by our clients 
seeking to extract maximum value from  
their assets while minimising costs; this has 
become increasingly relevant in the current 
low oil price environment.

Order Book
The Group has a secured backlog of  
US$ 443.9 million as at 1 March 2016 
(comprising firm and extension options for 
existing charters); approximately 50% of this 
backlog was secured in 2015 when the oil 
price averaged US$ 53.0 per barrel. The 
backlog has been adjusted to reflect a known 
reduction in contract period agreed after this 
date for one of our Small Class vessels. 

The majority of our work is brownfield 
opex-related, which continues to be helpful 
as we navigate the current challenges facing 
the industry. During the year, we were 
pleased to win a major new long-term 
contract (four years including options to 
extend) in MENA for a Large Class SESV that 
commenced in Q1 2015. In 2015 we delivered 
three new build SESVs to their first new 
charters in MENA. Another Large Class 
SESV was chartered to a new long-term 
contract (four years including options to 
extend) in the Dutch sector of the North Sea. 

Operations
Health, safety and the environment (HSE) 
continues to be our top priority, with the 
lives of everyone with whom we work, and 
others who are impacted by our activities, 
dependent on us upholding our high 
standards. We take very seriously the 
requirement to provide both our employees 
and subcontracted personnel with a safe 
working environment and one of the ways 
we achieve this is by including all our 
subcontractors, who number in excess  
of 500 people during heavy new build 
construction phases, in our HSE coaching 
and performance monitoring. 

We sustained a very good health and  
safety performance throughout the year. 
While the number of man hours worked in 
2015 rose to 7.7 million (2014: 4.8 million) the 
Total Recordable Injury Rate (TRIR)* for  
the year improved to 0.18 (2014: 0.25). We  
will maintain our focus on HSE, with zero 
incidents continuing to be the target. 

We have a fleet of 14 SESVs (as at March 
2016, including GMS Sharqi) with the majority 
located in the Middle East and two in Europe. 
The SESVs have been primarily engaged in 
well services and accommodation support  
in 2015. GMS Sharqi was only recently 
completed at the end of Q1 2016 and  
we are actively seeking a first charter. 

The GMS SESV fleet is the largest in the 
world and it is one of the youngest, with an 
average vessel age of just seven years. In 
2015 we were especially pleased to introduce 
the new Mid-Size Class to the fleet, which 
has been very well received by our clients. 
By operating such a modern fleet, we are 
able to provide our clients with cost-effective 
deployment methods and substantial 
operational efficiencies that are not typically 
offered by older less sophisticated vessels. 

The fleet performed very well during 2015 
and while we had a significant number of 
special projects during the year, the majority 
of which were bespoke modifications or 
mobilisations requested by our clients for 
new charters, we maintained a very high 
vessel utilisation level of 98% across the 
SESV fleet for the days available for charter. 
Charter rates sustained some downward 
pressure towards the end of the year 
primarily as a reflection of the fall in oil price. 

* Please refer to the Glossary.

9

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTION 
 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW CONTINUED

We are very conscious of managing  
our costs appropriately in the current 
environment. However, when utilisation is 
high there is limited scope for material cost 
reductions as certain operating costs for 
vessels tend to remain relatively fixed. If 
utilisation levels were to reduce, there  
would be more flexibility to make further 
cost savings. 

In 2015 we successfully integrated the 
simulator we launched the previous year 
into our bespoke command course for our 
masters and masters in training; this is part 
of our strategy to ensure we have sufficient 
appropriately-skilled crew to command our 
vessels now and in the future. The simulator 
has increased training opportunities, 
operational efficiency and cost-savings and 
the first tranche of senior officers graduated 
during the year. 

In-House Build, Maintenance  
and Modification 
We are both the builder and operator of our 
own SESV fleet, with our well-established 
in-house build model enabling us to design, 
build, maintain and modify our vessels 
ourselves. We are able to construct our 
vessels up to 30% cheaper than our peers 
who rely on external shipyards; we also 
achieve considerable cost-savings by 
carrying out repairs, modifications and 
mobilisations at our own shipyard in the 
Middle East. Towards the end of 2015 we 
relocated our yard to a new, larger facility  
at Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi and this will 
significantly increase our operational 
efficiency and will allow us to carry out  
more of our own fabrication work in-house. 

I am pleased to report that, in December 
2015, we exercised our option to purchase 
the leased SESV Pepper for US$ 51.0 million, 
a new Small Class vessel we introduced to 
the fleet in Q1 2015; this transaction was 

completed in Q1 2016 and we believe that 
this represents an appropriate use of capital 
given the returns expected from acquiring 
this asset. 

2015 was an exceptionally busy year for  
the new build, modifications and special 
project teams. Three new SESVs were 
delivered on time and within budget in the 
first nine months alone. GMS Sharqi was 
then delivered in Q1 2016. The Large Class 
vessel GMS Evolution, which will complete 
the current new build programme, is 
scheduled for delivery in Q4 2016. Further 
fleet expansion beyond this, which will be  
on a vessel-by-vessel basis, has yet to be 
decided upon and will be driven by our 
assessment of the factors affecting market 
demand, principally the oil price outlook. 

Markets
Middle East
We continue to be the leading SESV operator 
in the Middle East, where a high level of 
demand characterised the market in 2015. 
Our vessels in the region are chartered  
to clients who are very familiar with the 
cost-effective advantages our assets bring 
to brownfield maintenance, well intervention 
and enhanced oil recovery operations. Low 
production costs and demanding production 
targets have meant that both opex and 
capex-related activities have continued 
throughout the year. However, the sustained 
lower oil price will mean that operators  
in the region will continue to focus on cost 
reductions with inevitable pressure on day 
rates expected across the industry in 2016. 
Although four new quasi competitor vessels 
entered the regional market in 2015 (two of 
these vessels are not self-propelled and the 
remaining two vessels’ jacking systems are 
unsuited to the frequent jacking 
requirements of well services) we believe 
these vessels are really only suited to 
construction support projects rather than  

in well servicing where we predominantly 
operate. Accordingly, we expect the 
opex-related activities that provide much  
of the demand for our fleet to remain 
stronger relative to the capex/construction 
market in 2016. 

Europe
2015 saw the successful startup of a 
long-term contract in the Dutch sector  
of the North Sea on one of our Large Class 
SESVs. A significant milestone was also 
reached when our second Large Class SESV 
operating in the region transitioned from  
a maintenance to decommissioning role, 
remaining with the same client. We have 
been seeking to diversify into the 
decommissioning sector and this first 
charter demonstrated our ability to adapt 
our vessels to suit different types of work 
and changing market conditions. The vessel 
is carrying out the work very successfully 
and has been commended by our client. As 
decommissioning activity in the UKCS*, and 
elsewhere in the world, increases we would 
anticipate more business opportunities for 
GMS in this area. 

The introduction of the Mid-Size Class 
vessels in 2015 has provided us with greater 
flexibility on specification and pricing when 
bidding for shallower water contracts. 
However, in the second half of 2015 there 
was little new work starting up for short or 
long-term contracts in either the renewables 
or oil and gas sectors. Whilst GMS vessels  
in the region have remained fully utilised, a 
number of competitor vessels remained idle 
and we are likely to see strong competition 
for new opportunities in this region while oil 
prices remain low.

Rest of World
There have been limited opportunities 
outside of our core markets in 2015, with this 
a reflection of the lower oil price environment 
as clients defer work. However, we would still 
look to West Africa and South East Asia as 
good potential markets in the future. 

* Please refer to the Glossary.

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GULF  MARINE  SERVICES  PLC  Annual  Report  2015

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Our Enhanced Offering –  
Well Intervention Services
We are actively seeking to broaden the 
services that we can offer from our vessels, 
particularly in competition with those 
provided by high operating cost and 
inflexible drilling rigs.

During 2015 we continued to build up our 
expertise in well intervention services and 
are developing cantilever systems for our 
Mid-Size Class and Large Class SESVs. The 
cantilever systems will allow GMS to deliver 
existing well intervention services more 
efficiently and quickly, and to provide a 
greater range of services from our SESVs. 
The delivery of our first large cantilever 
heavy well intervention system at the end  
of 2016, which will be installed on GMS 
Evolution, will enable GMS to compete for 
workover activity previously only able to be 
carried out from jackup drilling units. Unlike 
drilling rigs, the GMS SESV fleet is entirely 
self-propelled and does not require tugs or 
similar support vessels for moves between 
locations in the field; this makes them 
significantly more cost-effective and 
time-efficient than conventional offshore 
support vessels without self-propulsion, 
such as drilling rigs. We strongly believe  
this will be an attractive proposition for our 
clients both in the current market and when 
oil prices increase. 

Our People
Our people are at the very heart of our 
business. We employ personnel from more 
than 50 countries and are fortunate to 
benefit from the rich diversity this brings  
to GMS. 2015 was our busiest new build 
period in three decades. I would like to  
take this opportunity to personally thank  
all our staff for their dedication to GMS  
and continued commitment to maintaining  
our high standards. 

Outlook
The turbulence we have seen in oil and gas 
markets in 2015, we expect to continue 
throughout 2016. In recent conversations 
with clients it is clear that they continue to 
seek incremental cost savings both through 
the efficiencies that we can deliver through 
better working practices and innovative 
offerings, through lower charter rates,  
and in one instance, through the early 
termination of an existing vessel contract.  
In these demanding conditions, our focus is 
to maximise vessel utilisation and as a result 
we expect pressure on margins in 2016. 
While it is difficult at present to quantify with 
certainty what the impact on our trading will 
be, based on our expectations for existing 
charters and the timing and terms of new 
contracts, we currently expect EBITDA in 
2016 to be 15 to 20% lower than in 2015 and 
earnings per share (reflecting the increased 
depreciation charge for the enlarged fleet) 
to be approximately 25 to 30% lower. 

Expected peak net debt level for GMS in 
2016 is approximately US$ 435.0 million 
before reducing to around US$ 425.0 million 
by year end. Following completion of the 
new build programme net debt levels should 
reduce and, subject to the market outlook, 
the Group will have the capacity to look to 
increase returns to shareholders through 
the most appropriate mechanism at the time. 
In terms of future fleet expansion, whilst 
there are no current plans to increase our 
fleet size beyond 2016, the addition of any 
vessels in the future will be driven by our 
assessment of the factors affecting market 
demand, principally the oil price outlook. 

We will continue to help our clients achieve 
cost efficiencies through the provision of  
our low cost, flexible and efficient vessels. 
We are also developing new cost-effective 
solutions that offer the Group the 
opportunity to target a broader market 
share by supplanting more expensive  
and less flexible non-propelled drilling rigs. 
We are confident that our opex focused 
business model, our state of the art SESV 
fleet and leading operational expertise will 
ensure the Group navigates through the 
current challenging market conditions. 

Duncan Anderson
Chief Executive Officer
21 March 2016

GULF  MARINE  SERVICES  PLC  Annual  Report  2015

11

 
 
 
 
 
 
OUR BUSINESS MODEL

CREATING LONG-TERM VALUE  
FOR OUR SHAREHOLDERS

Our business model is centred on the provision of highly cost-effective and sophisticated  
self-propelled self-elevating support vessels (SESVs) to clients operating in the offshore  
energy sector. 

This service enables our clients primarily  
to carry out maintenance, modification and 
well services work on their offshore facilities, 
by providing a stable platform immediately 
adjacent to the facility. The vessel allows  
the storage and application of materials  
and equipment necessary for the client’s 
work, and for the accommodation of  
the workforce. 

We have developed an integrated approach 
focused around six key areas in order to 
deliver this business model.

Innovate and Enhance our Offering 
We have a long history of satisfying  
the requirements of our national and 
international oil company clients with our 
experience, technical expertise and ability to 
modify and enhance our vessels enabling us 
to efficiently address their evolving needs. 

We work alongside our clients to ensure the 
design and construction of our new vessels 
meets their expectations in terms of 
operational efficiency, safety and cost; our 
ability to further develop our offering at the 

design stage gives us a clear advantage 
over competitors who have to place their 
orders with third party shipbuilders. 
Through close collaboration with clients  
on a project-by-project basis, GMS offers a 
cost-effective model that provides optimum 
efficiency and minimum non-productive time 
during clients’ mobilisations or operations, 
whilst maintaining the flexible multi-role 
design as part of the Group’s core strategy 
for high utilisation. 

O U R   K E Y  STAKEHOLDERS

s

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O U R   B U SINESS MODEL
v e l o p
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CREATE 
SHAREHOLDER 
VALUE

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The diagram above represents the Group’s business. The outer circle represents the environment in which GMS works. Within the image, 
our core values, which are central to everything we do, are captured along with the business model we apply to create shareholder value.

12

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deliver Operational Excellence 
We continually strive for excellence in  
all aspects of our operations. Our skilled 
employees provide our clients with  
safe and high quality services from a fleet  
of sophisticated SESVs. In addition, we are 
continually looking for ways to improve  
our offering through significant market 
knowledge and experience, technical 
expertise, client collaboration and by 
forming strategic business partnerships. 

GMS offers a range of benefits to its clients, 
resulting in greater operational efficiency and 
significant time and cost savings for them, 
along with high utilisation and premium day 
rates for GMS. All of our SESVs have rapid 
jacking capability and have a four-leg design 
with better stability and jacking speed 
relative to three-leg SESVs. In addition,  
all of our SESVs are self-propelled and the 
Large Class and Mid-Size Class vessel designs 
include DP2, a dynamic positioning system 
that enhances the ability of SESVs  
to safely manoeuvre close to our clients’ 
offshore installations. These features also 
allow the vessels to move faster in-field than 
conventional non-propelled vessels. This 
competitive advantage for multi-move well 
location work particularly lends itself to well 
services projects, whereby our clients can 
save considerable expense using one of our 
vessels instead of a more expensive drilling 
rig. We are focused on ensuring the efficient 
management of our fleet, with our in-house 
maintenance programme ensuring timely 
repairs and routine maintenance have 
minimal effect on operations. 

Focus on Long-Term  
and Recurring Contracts 
The Group’s revenue is principally generated 
by the charter day rates we charge for each 
vessel. We target long-term contracts  
and our priority is to deliver high vessel 
utilisation, which provides the benefit  
of more predictable cash flows. 

GMS is active in the opex phase of the oil  
and gas cycle, predominantly supporting 
long-term oil production, traditionally in 
maintenance, refurbishment, repair and well 
services, and more recently expanding into 
well decommissioning. This means GMS is 
less prone to the cyclical nature of the oil 
industry than many oil service companies 
exposed to the capex-led exploration and 
development phases. The contract length 
for a Small Class vessel is usually three to 
five years, while for the Large Class vessels 
it typically ranges from one to four years. 
Contracts normally include both a firm and 
extension period; the extension period is at 
the client’s discretion and historically 90%  
of these periods have been exercised. 

Nearly all of the Group’s revenue is sourced 
from the opex-led activities of our clients, 
who generally will have an ongoing 
requirement for a SESV once all available 
option periods have been exercised. As the 

incumbent operator, GMS is well-placed  
to win recurring work when the renewal 
contract is tendered and we have been  
very successful in securing renewal 
contracts. This is demonstrated by two  
of our Small Class vessels, which between 
them have amassed more than 40 years  
of back-to-back contracts with the same 
clients, carrying out the same service. 

Design, Build, Maintain and  
Modify Sophisticated Offshore 
Support Vessels 
GMS has in excess of 35 years’ experience in 
the design and construction of SESVs solely 
for our own use. Our quayside construction 
facility in Abu Dhabi provides us with the 
in-house resource to speedily adapt or 
repair our vessels without relying on third 
parties; any client-requested modifications 
can be made to the vessels at minimum cost 
and time to our clients. 

The construction of an SESV takes around 
18 months with the four main processes 
being procurement of vessel components, 
hull construction that is outsourced to 
competitive yards, assembly at our yard in 
Abu Dhabi and commissioning. Since GMS  
is both builder and operator, we can closely 
manage our construction programme and 
are therefore well-placed to gear our fleet 
expansion programme according to our  
view of market demand.

Our ability to build SESVs for ourselves is 
essential to our low-cost integrated build 
model that allows management to better 
control the quality, componentry and 
timelines of delivery whilst also enabling 
construction of the vessels at around 30% 
cheaper than at a traditional shipyard. We 
can also respond rapidly to clients’ requests 
for bespoke specifications that can be 
efficiently incorporated at the build stage.  
In 2015, we successfully introduced a new 
class of vessel to the fleet, the Mid-Size 
SESV, in response to our clients’ evolving 
requirements and to widen our offering in 
line with our plans for continued growth.  
Our experience and flexibility enables us  
to bid on a wide variety of tenders. 

Maintain the Highest Levels of 
Health, Safety and Environmental 
(HSE) Performance 
We place a high priority on managing the 
risks inherent to our operations and comply 
with national and international HSE standards. 

We employ an integrated management 
system covering the quality, health, safety 
and environmental principles and objectives 
of our business, which is implemented 
throughout all offshore and onshore 
operations. This aims to provide innovative 
and sustainable solutions to monitor our 
HSE performance and continuously improve 
the necessary safeguards to protect our 
employees and minimise the impact on the 
environment. This system is fully ISO 9001, 

ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 compliant,  
is externally audited and accredited, and  
is continually reviewed to capture best 
practice changes issued by the International 
Association of Oil and Gas Producers. We 
have also developed successfully UK and 
Dutch sector North Sea Safety Cases for the 
operation of our Large SESVs in that region. 
Information on our environmental reporting 
can be found on page 35.

Health and safety are considered by our 
clients when assessing bids for tenders  
and we regard our performance in this  
area as an advantage. We have consistently 
maintained low levels of lost time injuries 
(LTIs, meaning an injury that requires one or 
more days off work). Further details on our 
HSE performance can be found on page 27. 

Continuously Develop our People 
GMS operates in an industry where staff 
mobility rates are relatively high and as such, 
we seek to attract and retain high-calibre 
staff and ensure they are empowered to 
carry out their duties safely and effectively. 
We value the diversity of our employees and 
provide an environment where everyone  
can perform to their full potential and be 
rewarded for delivering excellence. 

The niche nature of our sector means that 
skilled and capable offshore crew members 
are traditionally in limited supply (however, 
the current low oil price environment has 
resulted in a wider talent pool currently 
available for certain roles) and we therefore 
pay attention to growing talent from within  
our organisation. We have a Competence 
Management System (CMS) in place based 
on recognised industry best practice.  
Its purpose is the integrated control of  
those activities within the Company that  
will assure competency of personnel, 
particularly in safety critical activities. 
Annual assessments are carried out for 
offshore personnel to ensure appropriate 
certification and competence to undertake 
operational roles. 

Competency gaps are closed via training 
supported by the GMS Academy. Much of the 
GMS Academy training is knowledge-based 
and delivered via computer-based training 
which employees are able to access at any 
time, irrespective of their location. However, 
all Academy training is supplemented with 
the coaching and mentoring of crew by their 
officers and complimented by the Group’s 
Offshore Performance Coaches who are 
responsible for embedding the knowledge 
delivered via the GMS Academy through 
effective real-time coaching. We also have  
a wide range of development initiatives, such 
as an externally accredited management 
development programme, our simulator 
programme for our Masters, and Fleet 
Management programmes. Further detail  
can be found in our Performance section  
on pages 26 and 27.

13

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONOUR STRATEGY

The Group’s core business consists of well support and maintenance 
services and the provision of accommodation in the offshore oil and gas 
sector. In the offshore wind energy sector we provide support services 
for installation, commissioning and maintenance. Our vessels operate 
exclusively in shallow waters, in depths of up to 80 metres. We continue 
to see the more stable demand going forward for our vessels in 
brownfield oil and gas opex-related work and further growth potential  
in well intervention activities, enhanced oil recovery work and 
decommissioning and plug and abandonment activities.

The four key principles of our strategy are set out below.

1. Provide Vessel Flexibility and  
Measured Fleet Expansion
GMS’ ability to design, build, 
maintain and modify its own 
technologically advanced fleet  
of modern SESVs has proved 
particularly helpful in the 
challenging oil price environment. 
The Group is able to deliver 
economies and efficiencies to  
its clients and is ideally placed  
to maintain competitive charter 
rates while also benefitting from  
the reward of high vessel utilisation.

14

The Group’s assets provide a stable 
platform from which a diverse range of 
services are carried out by our clients 
throughout the total lifecycle of offshore  
oil, gas and renewable energy activities. 
Our capability to modify our assets at our 
own in-house construction facility to suit  
the requirements of our clients’ operations, 
in short timescales, means we can often 
offer more cost-effective and time-efficient 
offshore solutions than our competitors.  
Our ability to ensure the flexibility of our 
existing vessels, and the fact that we can 
also enhance our offering at the design 
stage of our new build vessels, has proved 
advantageous when winning and executing 
work in different sectors of our market and 
we will continue to communicate these 
important benefits to our clients. 

Flexibility is the key to maintaining our high 
vessel utilisation and in order to preserve 
our competitive advantage and to increase 
our own operational efficiency, we relocated 
our construction and maintenance facility to 
a larger yard in Abu Dhabi at the end of 
2015/early 2016. When market conditions 
are favourable, accelerated growth of our 
market share is best achieved through 
measured fleet expansion. We increased  
our fleet of SESVs from nine to 13 vessels 
during the period 2014 to 2015 and, following 
another addition in early 2016, we now  
have 14 SESVs; a further vessel is due to be 
delivered towards the end of 2016. Future 
fleet expansion will be considered on a 
vessel-by-vessel basis according to our view 
on market demand and investment return. 
More information on vessel flexibility is 
available on page 17.

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 20152. Maximise our Operational  
Expertise
GMS has a successful track  
record that spans more than  
three decades and having a team  
of highly experienced and skilled 
employees is a major advantage  
in an increasingly competitive 
industry. Our operational and 
technical expertise enables us to 
provide safe and effective solutions 
to our clients’ needs whilst upholding 
our reputation as a quality provider 
of an advanced and adaptable fleet. 

Our technical knowledge and experience  
in the construction of the SESVs we operate 
enable us to adapt our vessels efficiently  
in order to meet client-specific requirements, 
which in turn results in greater operational 
efficiency. The provision of highly 
sophisticated SESVs with comprehensive 
maintenance programmes, excellent client 
services and our in-depth knowledge  
of the markets in which we operate will 
continue to be our primary drivers when  
it comes to upholding exceptionally high 
operational standards. 

The Group also has a strong reputation  
born out of our commitment to safety, 
quality, innovation and delivery. While we 
believe we offer the best offshore solution, 
we are also continually looking to develop  
in terms of design and aim to exceed 
regulatory requirements and best practice. 
Our partnership with Abu Dhabi Ports 
Company to successfully develop a SESV 
simulator to better assess and train our 
senior offshore personnel demonstrates  
our continued pursuit of operational 
excellence. More information on the 
simulator can be found on page 27.

15

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONOUR STRATEGY CONTINUED

3. Seek Growth Opportunities in Existing and New Markets
The Group continues to be very well-positioned in the low production cost 
MENA region and is maintaining its presence in North West Europe. The 
expansion of our fleet provides the potential to increase our offering in our 
existing markets and to enter new regions where we believe the demand 
for our vessels exists in the longer term.

The primary demand for our SESVs in the 
MENA and North West Europe regions is  
in the brownfield market within the oil and 
gas sector. The brownfield market covers  
a broad range of repair and maintenance 
support services, including well and subsea 
maintenance services, for existing oil and 
gas fields. GMS will continue to capitalise on 
the inherent maintenance and modification 
support requirement of ageing offshore 
structures, with our vessels providing the 
stable platform from which clients can carry 
out diverse operations. The Group secured 
its first well decommissioning project during 
2015, establishing GMS as an early entrant 
into this potentially significant market; our 
intention is to seek further contract 
opportunities in this sector. In addition,  
and as part of our continued growth plans, 
we will be introducing new well intervention 

capabilities during 2016 which will result  
in the Group being able to offer its clients  
a more efficient and cost-effective solution  
in a sphere of activity that is currently 
dominated by more expensive non-propelled 
drilling rigs.

The offshore renewable energy market  
is less mature than the oil and gas market 
and there is currently less demand for 
maintenance services as the infrastructure 
is, on the whole, relatively new. However,  
as a critical mass of installed capacity is 
reached, it is expected that the demand  
for maintenance work on these assets will 
increase. GMS has previous experience in 
this sector and this, combined with the 
flexibility of our assets, places us in a good 
position to maximise opportunities in this 
maturing market as it develops.

4. Ensure Responsible Financial Management
We seek to manage the finances of the business in a prudent manner, 
looking for sensible opportunities to invest to grow the business, but also 
recognising the value to shareholders of increased returns.

We take a disciplined approach to making 
new investments and to how these are 
financed and have been significantly 
growing our business through fleet 
expansion. We target (and are currently 
exceeding) a minimum return on capital of 
over 20% prior to commencing construction 
of a new SESV. We seek to maximise returns 
through a prudent approach to borrowing 
by not exceeding a target net debt to 
EBITDA ratio of three times at the peak 
periods of our new build programmes.

Our integrated build model substantially 
reduces the whole-life cost of vessel 
construction, modification and fleet 
maintenance compared to outsourcing  
to third parties. It also provides us with  
far more flexibility to manage the timetable 
for these projects than would be possible  
by relying on an external shipyard.

GMS targets blue chip companies as  
clients and our strong secured backlog  
with long-term contracts provides good 
revenue visibility on future earnings. We 
believe that the high degree of contracted 
future revenues and strong cash flow from 
operations combine to support the prudent 
capital structure within the Group.

The Group’s dividend policy will look to 
maximise shareholder value and reflect  
GMS’ strong earnings potential and cash 
flow characteristics, while allowing the 
retention of sufficient capital to fund 
ongoing operating requirements and to 
invest in the Group’s long-term growth.

16

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015GMS’ VESSEL FLEXIBILITY IS  
THE KEY TO HIGH UTILISATION

GMS provides a stable platform to support a variety  
of clients’ needs. This flexibility and our technological  
capabilities are reflected in our high vessel utilisation. 

TOPSIDE MAINTENANCE

COMMISSIONING AND 
ACCOMMODATION

WELL INTERVENTION

The Group’s SESVs are chartered to a 
high-quality worldwide client base and  
are used as customised work platforms  
for offshore oil, gas and renewable  
energy sectors. 

The vessels are operated by skilled 
employees and support our clients in a 
broad range of offshore oil and gas platform 
refurbishment and maintenance activities, 
well intervention work, decommissioning and 
offshore wind turbine maintenance work 
(which are opex-led activities) and offshore 
oil and gas platform installation and offshore 
wind turbine installation (which are 
capex-led activities). 

Our fleet of young and technically advanced 
SESVs has a niche and non-commoditised 
nature that allows competition against a 
diverse range of marine assets, including 
drilling rigs, accommodation service barges 
(non-propelled) and floating construction 
vessels. The SESVs are four-legged vessels 

that move independently and have a  
large deck space, crane capacity and 
accommodation facilities that can be readily 
adapted to the requirements of the Group’s 
clients. We are currently reviewing the 
option to enhance the heavy lift capabilities 
of our vessels to further expand our well 
intervention offering to our clients.

The four-legged design represents a 
significant competitive advantage over the 
more traditional non-propelled, three-legged 
barges available in the market in terms of 
both speed in jacking and safety. The SESVs 
are all self-propelled. The Large Class and 
Mid-Size Class vessel designs include DP2,  
a dynamic positioning system that enhances 
the ability of the SESVs to safely manoeuvre 
close to clients’ offshore installations. These 
features all enable an increase in the speed 
of movement around a client’s field of assets 
and remove the need for costly support 
vessels. Some of the specific benefits of  
our fleet are:

•  Well intervention activities which require 
frequent changes in location are ideally 
suited to our self-propelled units. 
•  The ability to relocate quickly within  

small weather windows allows our clients 
to work more efficiently. This in turn 
provides them with an immediate benefit 
through increased production as a result 
of the intervention performed.

•  Accommodation can be installed, for  

150 to 300 persons, along with multiple 
access routes to the client facility. This 
allows clients to simultaneously open up 
multiple work fronts and achieve high 
levels of productivity.

•  The high-capacity cranes are able to 

support construction and commissioning 
activities offshore where specialist crane 
barges would have previously been 
required, in addition to the 
accommodation barge.

17

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONKEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The Group uses a number of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to 
measure its performance and review the impact of its business strategy. 
The financial and operational KPIs adopted are kept under review to 
ensure that we focus on achieving our strategic objectives whilst 
addressing the principal risks facing the Group.

KPI

Description

Revenue reflects the value of operating activities  
and is derived primarily from the day rates and 
utilisation levels achieved.

SESV utilisation is the percentage of days SESVs are 
chartered on a day rate out of total available days.

Performance in 2015

The 12% growth in revenue primarily 
reflects the increase in fleet size 
combined with maintained high 
utilisation rates of SESVs.

Revenue and Utilisation

US$ 250

US$ 200

94%

US$ 184m

97%

US$ 197m

98%

US$ 220m

US$ 150

US$ 100

US$ 50

0

2013

2014

2015

% – SESV utilisation  Bars – Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA margin

68%

64%

US$ 125m

US$ 125m

63%
US$ 139m

US$ 150

US$ 120

US$ 90

US$ 60

US$ 30

0

2013

2014

2015

% – Adjusted EBITDA Margin  Bars – Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted Net Income and DEPS

DEPS
US$ 0.24
US$ 81m

DEPS
US$ 0.24

US$ 85m

DEPS
US$ 0.24

US$ 72m

US$ 100

US$ 80

US$ 60

US$ 40

US$ 20

0

2013

2014

2015

DEPS – Adjusted DEPS  Bars – Adjusted Net Income

Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA

2.88

2.46

2.19

2013

2014

2015

3

2

1

0

18

Adjusted EBITDA is a key profit measure and  
means earnings before interest, tax, depreciation  
and amortisation, excluding non-operational items. 

Adjusted EBITDA rose by 11% from 
2014, reflecting the increase in 
revenue from the fleet. 

Adjusted EBITDA margin demonstrates our ability  
to convert revenue into profit.

The Group’s adjusted EBITDA margin 
remained strong overall in 2015 with a 
continued focus on cost management.

Adjusted net income measures the net profitability  
of the business excluding non-operational items.

Adjusted DEPS means fully diluted earnings  
per share, which measures the level of net  
profit excluding exceptional items per ordinary  
share outstanding.

Adjusted net income rose by 4%  
in 2015 reflecting an improved 
performance during the year.

The levels of DEPS have remained 
relatively consistent year-on-year.

Net debt to adjusted EBITDA is the ratio of net debt 
(including finance lease obligations) at year end to 
earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and 
amortisation, excluding non-operational items. 

This KPI demonstrates the Group’s level of 
borrowing against operating cash flows.

The net debt to adjusted EBITDA 
ratio has risen as expected in 2015 
reflecting the increased further 
drawdown of funds to help finance 
the ongoing investment in the new 
build programme.

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015 Description

 Performance in 2015

Backlog shows the total order book of contracts 
(comprising firm and option periods) at year end. 

US$ 739m*

The Group uses this KPI as an indication of future 
revenue and utilisation levels.

US$ 580m

The Group maintained a satisfactory 
level of backlog during the year given 
the low oil price environment.

KPI

Backlog

US$ 800

US$ 600

US$ 400

US$ 434m

US$ 200

0

2013

2014

2015

*  The backlog figure in 2014 includes backlog for the Large Class vessel contract award announced on 28 January 2015.

New Build Programme Delivery

Year

2015

2014

2013

Employees

750

600

450

300

150

0

91%
692

90%

573

74%

394

2013

2014

2015

% – Offshore staff retention  Bars – Average FTE employees

TRIR & LTIR

1.00

0.50

0

0.23

0.08

2013

0.25

0

2014

0.18

0.05

2015

 = TRIR 

 = LTIR

New build programme delivery KPIs measure how 
successful the Group has been in managing vessel 
construction projects in terms of cost control and 
delivery schedule.

Delivery of all three new vessels, the 
first of their kind, on schedule and 
within budget in 2015 demonstrates 
continued effective project delivery 
and cost control.

New Vessels Delivered

On Schedule

Within Budget

Pepper
Shamal
Scirocco

Enterprise

None

–

–

Offshore staff retention shows percentage of senior 
officers (masters and chief engineers) who continued  
to be employees in the period. 

Average FTE employees means the average number 
of full time equivalent employees throughout the  
year which provides an indication of the Group’s 
service capacity and scale of operations.

The small increase in offshore staff 
retention is as a result of continued 
focus by the Group on retention 
policies for key personnel. 

Average FTE employees increased  
by 21% due mainly to the increase  
in construction staff headcount 
necessary for increased activities  
as part of the new build programme.

TRIR is the total recordable Injury rate per 200,000 
man hours, which provides a measure of the  
frequency of recordable injuries.

The decrease in TRIR illustrates the 
Group’s commitment to delivering 
high standards of health and safety.

LTIR is the lost time injury rate per 200,000 man  
hours which is a measure of the frequency of injuries 
requiring employee absence from work in the year  
for a period of one or more days.

In 2015 the reporting criteria for offshore incidents 
was amended to include incidents occurring during 
hours of rest in addition to hours of work, for 
personnel operating offshore. Accordingly offshore 
man hours are now calculated based on a 24 hour 
working period. The KPIs shown for 2013 and 2014 
have been restated.

The increase in LTIR is a result of  
two injuries occurring which required 
employee absence from work in 2015. 
The Group continues to focus on 
achieving our target of zero lost  
time injuries.

19

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONRISK MANAGEMENT

The effective identification and management of business risks and 
opportunities across the Group are a key priority of the business and 
integral to the delivery of the Group’s strategic objectives. The Group 
has a robust risk management system in place to support the 
identification, analysis, evaluation, mitigation and ongoing monitoring  
of risks as shown in the risk management framework below.

Board of Directors
The Board has overall responsibility 
for ensuring effective management 
of risks.

e n t i fication

I d

Senior Management
The senior managment team implement 
the risk management process from 
risk identification through 
to mitigation.

n
o
i
t
a
g

i

t

i

M

Risk 
Management
Process

A

l

n
a
y
s
is

Audit and Risk Committee
Responsibilities include reviewing the Group’s 
internal control and risk management systems 
as well as monitoring the effectiveness of 
the Group’s internal audit function.

Evalua t i o n

Internal Audit
There are clear reporting lines from the 
internal audit function to the Audit 
and Risk Committee and the senior 
management team.

Business risks across the Group are 
addressed in a systematic and consistent 
way through the risk management 
framework, which has clear lines of reporting 
and communication to deal with risk 
management and internal control issues. 
The Group’s process for identifying and 
managing risks is embedded in its 
organisational structure, operations  
and management systems.

The Board has overall responsibility for 
ensuring that risks are effectively managed. 
However, the Audit and Risk Committee has 
been delegated responsibility for reviewing 
the effectiveness of the Group’s system of 
internal control and procedures for the 
identification, assessment, management, 
mitigation and reporting of risk. 

The internal control process starts with 
identifying risks, compliance matters and 

other issues through regular reviews carried 
out by process owners and facilitated by 
individual departmental risk assessments 
where the process owners regularly assess 
the implications and consequences and 
determine the likelihood of occurrences.  
The risks associated with the delivery of  
the strategy, business plan, annual work 
programme as well as the associated 
mitigation measures, are maintained in a 
series of departmental risk registers which 
are consolidated and reviewed by the senior 
management team to formulate the Group 
risk management process. The outcomes of 
risk identification and control assessments 
are formally reported to the senior 
management team and escalated to the 
Audit and Risk Committee and Board, as 
appropriate. The Board regularly reviews  
all key risks facing the Group as part of the 
Group risk management process which 
ensures that the Board satisfies the UK 

Code requirement to perform a robust 
assessment of the principal risks facing  
the Company, including those that would 
threaten its business model, future 
performance, solvency or liquidity.

The Group’s internal audit function has  
been largely outsourced to a specialised 
team provided by a reputable third party.  
All internal audit activity conducted by the 
internal audit team is done under the 
direction and leadership of the Finance 
Director, who reports to the Chief Financial 
Officer, but the team also has an 
independent reporting line to the Chairman 
of the Audit and Risk Committee. In view  
of Internal Audit’s recommendations, 
management agrees and implements 
corrective action plans, which are tracked  
to completion by internal audit, with the 
results reported regularly to the Audit  
and Risk Committee and the Board.

20

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015Principal Risks and Uncertainties 
The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group in the short to medium term are set out below, together with the principal mitigation 
measures. These risks are not intended to be an exhaustive analysis of all risks that may arise in the ordinary course of business  
or otherwise.

Key: 

  Risk has increased since 2014 

  No change in risk since 2014 

  Risk has reduced since 2014

Assessment of 
change in Risk Mitigation, Monitoring and Assurance

Risk

Strategic

Risk Profile

The macroeconomic 
environment influences  
the demand for our services.  
A sustained period of low oil 
prices could affect the demand 
for the Group’s oil extraction 
support services. This could  
lead to lower utilisation or lower 
charter day rates causing profit 
margins to fall. 

Significant changes in the 
market-place as a result of the 
actions of our competitors or 
the entrance of new competitors 
may jeopardise our market 
share or adversely affect 
utilisation levels or charter  
day rate levels achieved.

Over-exposure to any one 
geographic market or loss of  
a major client or a reduction in 
activity of a major client could 
impact our performance.

The reliance of the Group on  
a limited number of blue chip 
clients may expose us to  
losses in the event of client 
relationship disruptions.

The Group may not be able to 
win new contracts or retain 
existing contracts including 
clients not opting to exercise 
contractual option periods 
because of the actions of 
competitors. This could lead to 
lower vessel utilisation or lower 
charter day rates causing profit 
margins to fall.

Commercial

Opex v Capex
The Group provides cost-effective services mainly in the Opex phase 
of oil companies’ budgets, supporting long-term oil production which 
tends to be much less cyclical than Capex phase work. 

Focus on low cost of production areas such as MENA 
A larger share of the Group’s client base and revenues are generated 
in the MENA region, where the cost of oil production is significantly 
lower than in other parts of the world. Our NOC clients in these 
regions tend to be less sensitive to varying oil prices than other 
types of oil companies. 

Backlog visibility
We focus on long-term and recurring client contracts such that 
operating margins can generally be forecast with reasonable 
accuracy, providing visibility of future earnings. Secured backlog  
at the end of 2015 was US$ 579.6 million.

Market and operational familiarity
We believe that the Group continues to have a competitive edge  
over most other market participants through our operational 
expertise and the quality of our offshore solutions. 

Construction and modification flexibility for clients
Our vessels are built to be as flexible as possible allowing us to 
compete for a wide share of the market helping us to maintain  
high utilisation and charter day rates. 

Strong client relationships 
The Group has a clear record of established long term relationships  
in the MENA region, which helps provide an excellent understanding 
of our clients’ requirements and standards.

Flexibility and innovation 
We seek to continually improve our offering through innovation 
including new vessel designs and specification improvements by 
responding directly to client feedback.

Tender approach
We compete in tenders for all vessels nearing the end of their firm 
contracts, ensuring that, if a client chooses not to exercise their 
option, no other opportunities would be missed. 

Growth and expansion
The Group has plans to further expand the fleet, subject to market 
demand. Furthermore the Group has expansion of its geographical 
footprint as one of its strategic aims as it seeks to diversify into other 
markets. Also we are further expanding the range of well activities 
that our vessels can perform.

21

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTION 
RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

Risk

Risk Profile

Assessment of 
change in Risk Mitigation, Monitoring and Assurance

The Group may suffer 
commercial and reputational 
damage as a result of an 
environmental or safety incident 
involving our employees, visitors 
or contractors.

Our operations have an inherent 
safety risk due to our offshore 
operations. We have a 
fundamental obligation to 
protect our people and 
recognise the implications  
of poor safety procedures.

Macro and micro economic 
events, such as a low oil price, 
may impact our ability to raise 
finance, achieve forecast, 
effectively manage our  
working capital and service  
our financial obligations.

The Group utilises external 
funding in financing major 
projects, and inability to obtain 
the required funding may hamper 
the successful undertaking of 
capital-intensive projects.

Failure of the Group to service 
the debts and comply with  
debt covenants could result  
in negative repercussions for  
the Group.

Non-compliance with anti-
bribery and corruption 
regulations could damage 
stakeholder relations and lead to 
reputational and financial loss.

Failure to appropriately identify 
and comply with laws and 
regulations and other regulatory 
statutes in new and existing 
markets could lead to  
regulatory investigations.

There is a risk that the Group’s 
assets may not be fit for 
purpose or may fail to operate  
in the manner intended by 
management. Failure to deliver 
the expected operational 
performance could result in 
reputational damage, litigation, 
reduced profit margins or loss  
of clients.

Changes in the political regimes, 
civil and political unrest or 
sanctions in the jurisdictions  
in which we operate could 
adversely affect our operations.

Health, Safety, 
Security, 
Environment 
and Quality

Financial

Compliance  
and regulation

Operational

22

Safety awareness 
Safety and assurance continues to be a top priority and is 
underpinned by our HSSEQ management system and strong 
safety-focused culture. Management ensures appropriate safety 
practices and procedures, disaster recovery plans and the insurance 
coverage of all commercial contracts both prior to acceptance and 
during contract delivery. 

Training and compliance
Our employees undergo continuous training and sensitisation on 
operational best practice. 

Scheduled maintenance
The Group follows regular maintenance schedules on its vessels and 
the condition of the vessels is consistently monitored. 

Key performance indicators (KPIs)
Transparent KPIs are used for reporting to track progress. The KPIs 
are reviewed regularly to ensure Management has all the necessary 
information to make timely financial decisions.

Availability of funding
The Group completed a refinancing process in 2015, which has 
provided assurance on adequate funding for working capital and 
future capex projects. 

Policies and procedures
We adhere to Group-wide financial and accounting policies which 
underpin our approach to risk management. 

Management and Board reporting
The Management and the Board regularly monitor the Group’s  
debt obligations and funding requirements and seek to ensure  
that sufficient funds are always in place to meet the needs of the 
business as well as maintaining significant headroom over debt 
covenants thus minimising the risk of breach. 

Code of conduct
The Group has a Code of Conduct which employees are required to 
comply with when conducting business on behalf of the Group; this 
includes anti-bribery and corruption policies.

Due diligence
Prior to venturing into new markets, the Group performs substantial 
due diligence work and obtains an understanding of the governing 
laws and regulations. Group legal and external counsel support are 
utilised as necessary.

Vessel monitoring 
The Group constantly monitors the condition of the vessels and 
other equipment which undergo mandatory dry docking within the 
specified timeframes. The Group has policies and procedures in place 
such as the Planned Maintenance System to ensure that the vessels 
undergo regular preventative maintenance.

Emergency plans and insurance
For all our major assets and areas of operation, the Group maintains 
emergency preparedness plans. We regularly review the insurance 
coverage over the Group’s assets to ensure adequate cover is in place.

Constant review
The Group remains vigilant to potential changes and risks and  
may engage with governments and legal counsel to ensure a 
comprehensive view of our stakeholders is presented. The Group 
constantly monitors the ever-changing political landscape in the 
regions that are considered volatile or unpredictable.

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015Risk

Risk Profile

Assessment of 
change in Risk Mitigation, Monitoring and Assurance

Investments

Delays in completion, or errors  
in assessing the impact of new 
strategic expansion projects 
could result in decreased 
margins and market share.

People

The Group’s success depends 
on our ability to attract and 
retain sufficiently qualified  
and experienced personnel, 
particularly at senior 
management levels. 

Failure to attract, develop and 
retain sufficient competent crew 
to support our clients’ needs 
could result in operational issues 
on-board vessels.

Board oversight
The Board has oversight of approving and monitoring strategic projects.

Project management 
Extensive project management controls and processes are adhered 
to throughout project life cycles.

Succession planning
The Group maintains detailed management succession plans for key 
personnel which are monitored by the Group HR team. The current 
macroeconomic environment has resulted in a wider talent pool 
available for certain roles within the Group.

Learning and development
The Group is committed to providing bespoke training and 
development paths for key personnel and invests heavily in  
learning and development with a major focus on regular training  
for our safety critical, senior operational and management roles. 

Competitive remuneration packages
The Group has a competitive remuneration structure that aims to 
attract, motivate and retain suitably qualified personnel through 
performance-based reward practices.

Longer-term viability 
In accordance with provision C.2.2 of the UK Corporate Governance Code, published by the Financial Reporting Council in September  
2014, the Directors have assessed the prospects of the Group over a three year period to December 2018. The Board believes that 
a viability assessment for a period of three years is appropriate taking into consideration the current low oil price environment and 
that this timeframe also aligns with the Group’s strategic planning horizon. The Board reviews annually and on a rolling basis the 
strategic plan for the business which the Group progressively implements. The Group’s business model has proven to be resilient 
over the long term in previous down turns in the macroeconomic environment.

The Group’s business model was stress tested against a range of reasonably possible unfavourable scenarios both individually and  
in unison to further validate the robustness of the Group’s business model and financial position (including debt facilities and loan 
repayment maturities). The assessment took into consideration both the potential impact that the Group’s principal risks detailed  
above on pages 21 to 23 occurring would have on the Group as well as evaluating the effect of a sustained period of low oil price on 
the business. The Group has a robust risk management framework in place to monitor and mitigate its exposure to these principal 
risks. The Board also considered the current operational and financial position of the Group in assessing its viability when stress 
testing the model. Sensitivity analysis has been used which included the potential impact on our business of a sustained period of 
low oil prices, primarily through reducing revenues and cash inflows by incorporating prolonged reductions in charter day rates and 
utilisation levels, against the background of the mitigating actions available to the business, such as the rephasing or reduction of 
future capital expenditure projects. 

This assessment has considered a range of potential impacts of these risks on the business model, future performance, solvency 
and liquidity over the review period. Based on the results of this analysis the Board has concluded that there is a reasonable 
expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the three year period  
of the assessment.

Information contained within the Introduction on pages 1 to 5 and the Performance section on pages 26 to 35 of this document forms 
part of the Strategic Report by reference.

Duncan Anderson
Chief Executive Officer
21 March 2016

23

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONPERFORMANCE

PERFORMANCE
Operational Review 
Financial Review 
Corporate Social Responsibility 

24

26
30
32

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 201525

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONAs already indicated in our Interim Results, 
we had a significant number of special 
projects in the first half of the year,  
the majority of which were bespoke 
modifications or mobilisations requested  
by our clients for new charters and which 
reduced the operational availability of the 
vessels involved. Approximately 7.0% of  
the total number of days in 2015 were used 
on these special projects and while this 
impacted earnings, this was offset with  
the award of some long-term contracts  
that provide good revenue visibility. We  
have significantly fewer projects planned  
in 2016 and would expect this to be reflected 
in our available days* next year.

The table below provides a summary of our 
key performance metrics.

Crewing
The fleet is manned with 488 crew members 
(as at 31 December 2015). This figure 
comprises 70 senior officers, 117 officers  
and 301 ratings, all of whom are marine-
qualified. We also have 125 subcontracted 

catering staff across the fleet. The average 
number of crew on board our SESVs at  
any time is between 15 and 21 persons 
depending on contractual work scope 
requirements, of which fewer than five  
are senior officers. 

With a relatively small pool of SESV-qualified 
senior officers worldwide, it is important we 
continue to focus our efforts on ensuring we 
have sufficient appropriately-skilled crew to 
command our vessels now and in the future. 
The simulator we developed in 2014, which 
provides training in the manoeuvring and 
jacking of our vessels, has been especially 
helpful in this regard, having been 
extensively used in 2015 as part of our 
command course. Our Masters in Training 
(MiT) Programme, an integral part of the 
course, enables us to fast-track our senior 
officers to command positions; the simulator 
is also used to enhance the development of 
our existing Masters. Further information on 
our MiT Programme and simulator may be 
seen in the case study on the next page. 

Average daily charter rate excluding hotel services (US$’000s)

Utilisation

Average daily vessel operating costs (US$’000s)

Average daily charter rate excluding hotel services (US$’000s)

Utilisation

Average daily vessel operating costs (US$’000s)

Average daily charter rate excluding hotel services (US$’000s)

Utilisation

Average daily vessel operating costs (US$’000s)

Small Class
2015

2014

40

96%

10

38

99%

11

Mid-Size Class
2014
2015

54

100%

17

–

–

–

Large Class
2015

2014

82

100%

21

100

88%

21

OPERATIONAL REVIEW

Operations
The Group has a fleet of 14 SESVs with  
the majority located in the Middle East  
and two in Europe. The SESVs have been 
primarily engaged in well services and 
accommodation support in 2015. GMS  
Sharqi was only recently completed at the 
end of Q1 2016 and we are actively seeking  
a first charter. 

Our fleet of self-propelled SESVs is not  
only the largest fleet in the world, it is also 
one of the youngest in the industry, with  
an average age of just seven years. This is 
based on 11 years for the Small Class SESV 
fleet and four years for the Large Class  
(the Mid-Size Class having only just been 
introduced in 2015/2016). Older less 
sophisticated vessels are not typically able 
to offer the cost-effective deployment and 
substantial operational efficiencies that we 
provide to our clients. 

We also have two AHTS vessels and an 
accommodation barge, which have been 
mostly occupied in platform supply activities 
and offshore construction projects in the 
Middle East. The financial performance  
of these three non-core vessels is more 
directly affected by the low oil price due  
to the nature of their operations than our  
SESV fleet.

SESVs’ Charter Rates, Utilisation  
and Operating Costs
The fleet performed very well during the 
year, with continued high utilisation levels  
for the SESVs of 98% in 2015. Charter rates, 
however, sustained some downward 
pressure towards the end of the year 
primarily as a reflection of the fall in oil price. 
The movement in the charter rates, shown 
in the adjacent table, for the Large Class 
vessels has been influenced by foreign 
currency exchange rate fluctuations.

2015 revenue by type of work
GMS’ business is heavily weighted towards 
clients’ opex-based activities as shown below.

2%

18%

80%

Oil and Gas opex-led Activities
Oil and Gas capex-led Activities
Renewable Energy

* Please refer to the Glossary. 

26

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015The retention of our senior officers is also 
crucial to the successful continuity of our 
operations. Our retention rate for offshore 
crew senior officers has been 91% during  
the period, up 1% compared to last year.  
This success reflects a number of initiatives 
we have implemented to encourage our 
personnel to continue working with us, 
including the incorporation of our senior 
crew into our Long Term Incentive Scheme. 

2015 saw the consolidation and 
implementation of a variety of activities  
to enhance the training and operational 
expertise of our personnel. These include 
the development of our SESV command 
course for Masters and Masters in Training 
as discussed earlier in this review, enhanced 
computer-based training to include our Life 
Saving Rules (more information on these can 
be found on page 32), and preparation for 
the in-house delivery of courses in jacking.

The year has been characterised by a 
significant number of operational projects. 
These included the commissioning and 
mobilisation of our new build vessels Pepper, 
GMS Shamal and GMS Scirocco onto their 
first contracts, and the deployment of a 
Large Class vessel onto a new contract.  
The special projects delivered, which often 
involved us modifying some of our vessels to 
meet specific contract requirements, included 
increasing the accommodation capability 
from 150 to 370 personnel on a Large Class 
vessel, complete engine, generator and 
switchboard replacements on a Small Class 
vessel, and the refurbishment and re-
mobilisation of some vessels in each of our 
three classes in order to improve utilisation. 

As we have increased our fleet and 
operations across our global business, the 
number of man hours worked in 2015 rose  
to 7.7 million (2014: 4.8 million). Unfortunately, 
two lost time injuries (LTIs) were sustained 
during the period, our first since 2013. In 
2015 the Group modified the reporting 
criteria used for recording offshore 
incidents. Previously offshore working hours 
were calculated based on a 12-hour working 
day, therefore not including any incidents 
that occurred during hours of rest. As our 
personnel are living on our vessels 
permanently, whilst offshore, we have 
decided to include off duty incidents in our 
reporting criteria. This means that offshore 
man hours are now calculated based on a 
24-hour working period. The total recordable 
injury rate (TRIR)* for 2015 was 0.18 (2014: 
0.25). This change highlights our ongoing 
commitment to provide all personnel with  
a quality and safe working environment at  
all times whilst under our duty of care; we 
will maintain our focus on HSE, with zero 
incidents continuing to be the target. 

*  Please refer to the Glossary. 

Case study

SUCCESSFUL SIMULATOR  
TRAINING

The simulator training has reduced  
the time it takes for our Masters to  
be accepted by our clients. Historically, 
in order to achieve client approval a MiT 
required four to eight vessel moves, 
which required a time frame of six to 
ten months; with the comprehensive 
training a MiT receives in the simulator, 
this has been reduced to two to three 
moves over the course of just one to 
two months. The MiT programme also 
provides significant cost savings in 
operations and is self-funded.

Last year we reported on our design 
and development of the world’s first 
onshore SESV simulator, with a bespoke 
training programme that incorporates 
simulations for the manoeuvring and 
jacking of self-elevating, self-propelled 
vessels in a variety of operational 
scenarios as they move from one 
platform to the next. The simulator was 
fully operational in 2015, with training 
conducted in it forming the practical 
aspect of our Masters in Training (MiT) 
Programme and part of our Competence 
Assurance requirement. 

We are pleased to report that the 
simulator has proved very successful, 
with 14 Masters in Training using it 
during 2015, nine of whom have 
subsequently been promoted to  
Master (and accepted by our clients, 
who recognise and accept the simulator 
training as part of Masters’ formal 
accreditation). Some 16 existing 
Masters have also received training  
in the simulator during the year as  
part of their continual development. 

In-House Build, Maintenance  
and Modification 
Our well-established in-house build model 
involves the design, build, maintenance and 
modification of our vessels and this holistic 
approach continues to benefit our business 
as we maintain our competitive advantage. 
Notably, we are able to build our vessels  
up to 30% cheaper than our peers who  
rely on external shipyards, and we achieve 
considerable cost-savings by carrying out 
repairs, modifications and mobilisations at 
our own shipyard in the Middle East. 

In Q4 2015 we were pleased to lease from 
Abu Dhabi Ports a new yard facility, which  
is situated at Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi.  
The strategic location of the new yard  
is operationally more efficient than our 
existing yard in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, with 
access to the sea now requiring just one 
day’s passage instead of up to six days 
required from Mussafah due to tidal 
conditions in the channel. The facility  
is also larger and is supporting the 
maintenance of our increased fleet and  
our new build construction. In addition,  

we will now be able to carry out more  
of our own fabrication work in-house,  
for example future vessel enhancement 
projects. Our original yard next to our head 
office in Abu Dhabi will continue to be used 
for supplementary support purposes.

2015 was an exceptionally busy year,  
with three new SESVs delivered on time  
and within budget in the first nine months. 
GMS Sharqi was then delivered in Q1 2016. 
GMS Evolution will complete the current new 
build programme, with delivery scheduled 
for Q4 2016.

We continually seek to improve our vessel 
design and the services we offer to our 
clients. It is also an essential part of our 
future growth strategy to expand our  
range of services so that we can enter  
new markets. For example, a number of  
new safety features have been built into our 
Mid-Size Class SESVs (please see the case 
study page on 29). In addition, GMS Shamal 
will be fitted with a small cantilever that will 
allow it to support well servicing work that 
we have not previously been able to offer.

27

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONOPERATIONAL REVIEW CONTINUED

Markets 
Europe
2015 has seen the successful startup of  
a long-term contract in the Dutch sector  
of the North Sea for one of our Large  
Class SESVs. The second Large Class SESV 
operating in the region has transitioned 
from a maintenance to decommissioning 
support role, remaining with the same client. 
We are actively bidding for new work in the 
region, in both the renewables and the oil 
and gas sectors. The introduction of the 
Mid-Size Class vessels in 2015 has provided 
us with greater flexibility on specification 
and pricing when bidding for shallow water 
contracts. In the second half of 2015 there 
has been little new work starting up for 
either short or long-term contracts in either 
renewables or oil and gas. Whilst GMS 
vessels in the region have remained fully 
utilised, a number of competitor vessels 
remained idle. As a result, we are likely to see 
strong competition for new opportunities in 
this region while oil prices remain low.

Middle East
We continue to be the leading SESV operator 
in the Middle East, where a high level of 
demand has characterised the market in 

2015. Low production costs and aggressive 
production targets have meant that both 
opex and capex-related activities have 
continued throughout the period. However, 
the sustained low oil price will mean that 
operators in the region will continue to focus 
on cost reductions with inevitable pressure 
on day rates in 2016. Although four new 
quasi competitor vessels entered the 
regional market in 2015 two of these vessels 
are not self-propelled and the remaining two 
vessels’ jacking systems are unsuited to the 
frequent jacking requirements of well 
services) we believe these vessels are really 
only suited to construction support projects 
rather than well servicing where we 
predominantly operate. As a result, we 
expect opex-related activities that provide 
much of the demand for our fleet to remain 
firm relative to the capex/construction 
market in 2016. 

Rest of World
There have been limited opportunities 
outside of our core markets in 2015, with this 
a reflection of the lower oil price environment 
as clients defer work. However, we would still 
look to West Africa and South East Asia as 
good potential markets in the future. 

Case study

EXPANDING WELL INTERVENTION 
SERVICES – CANTILEVER 

We have continued to build up our 
expertise in well intervention services 
during 2015. In line with our strategy of 
continuing to enhance the capability and 
therefore employability of our assets, we 
have developed cantilever systems for 
Mid-Size Class and Large Class SESVs. 
The cantilever systems allow GMS to 
deliver existing well intervention services 
more efficiently and quickly and to 
provide a greater range of services from 
our SESV units. For example, a pre-

commissioned well intervention package 
can be positioned and supported over  
the well centre by the cantilever and work 
can commence immediately. This avoids 
transferring heavy equipment loads on to 
the wellhead structure, overcoming any 
structural integrity limitations on the 
client’s assets. The delivery of our first 
large cantilever heavy well intervention 
system at the end of 2016, which will be 
installed on GMS Evolution, will enable 
GMS to compete for workover activity 

previously carried out from jackup drilling 
units. Unlike drilling rigs, the GMS SESV 
fleet is entirely self-propelled and does not 
require tugs or similar vessels for moves 
between locations in the field; this makes 
them significantly more cost-effective and 
time-efficient than conventional offshore 
support vessels without self-propulsion, 
such as drilling rigs. We strongly believe 
that this will be an attractive proposition 
for our clients both in the current market 
and when oil prices increase. 

28

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015Case study

BUILDING IN SAFETY –  
GMS SCIROCCO

As both the builder and operator of  
our fleet, we are in the ideal position  
to incorporate operational experience  
at the design stage of our vessels so  
as to develop enhanced strategies for 
managing the risks associated with  
major accident hazards. To facilitate this 
process, our operations, technical and 
HSE departments work closely together 
from the early stages of vessel 
construction all the way through  
to delivery.

A number of design improvements, 
inspired by the North Sea Safety Case 
criteria our vessels in Europe already 
comply with, have been included in our 
latest generation of SESVs, the Mid-Size 
Class vessels, which typically operate  
in the MENA region. These include the 

installation of automated helideck 
firefighting systems so that personnel  
are not required to be in the immediate 
vicinity, and the strategic relocation of  
the cranes to improve the lifting of loads.

We launched our Mid-Size Class SESV  
GMS Scirocco in September 2015. More 
than 500,000 man hours were spent on 
the successful delivery of the vessel and 
there were no Lost Time Injuries. This is  
all the more remarkable considering the 
hundreds of lifting operations, ranging 
from routine to complex heavy lifts,  
and temperatures of up to 50 degrees 
centigrade. It was only possible through 
the excellent collaboration and teamwork 
of the entire project team and through the 
effective engagement of the numerous 
subcontracted personnel working on site.

SESVs order book of contracts as at 1 March 20161

2015

2016

2017

SESVs contract duration near-term (1 to 2 years)

2018

2019

2020

Longer-term (3 to 5 years)

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Large Vessels

Mid-Size Vessel

Small Vessels

E1

E2

E3

S1

K1

K2

K3

K4

K5

K6

K7

K8

Large Class Vessels

Mid-Size Class Vessels

Small Class Vessels

E1

E2

E3

E4

S1

S2

S3

K1

K2

K3

K4

K5

K6

K7

K8

Firm periods
Firm
Options

Under Construction

Option periods

Vessels under construction

1.  The backlog chart has been adjusted to reflect a known reduction in contract period agreed after this date for one of our Small Class vessels.

29

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONFINANCIAL REVIEW

US$ million

Revenue 
Gross profit
EBITDA1 (2014 adjusted)
Net profit 
Adjusted net profit2
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (US cents)2
Proposed final dividend per share (pence) 

2015

219.7
132.2
138.5
75.0
84.9
24.05
1.20

2014

196.6
126.5
124.8
75.6
81.3
23.71
1.06

1.  EBITDA represents operating profit after adding back depreciation, amortisation (and in 2014 non-operational  

IPO costs).

2.  After adding back non-operational refinancing costs in 2015 and non-operational IPO costs in 2014. 

Introduction
The Group delivered a good set of results 
during 2015 with revenue increasing by 12% 
to US$ 219.7 million (2014: US$ 196.6 million). 
The reported results were impacted by 
foreign currency exchange rates fluctuations; 
on a constant currency* basis there was 
revenue growth of 15% during the year. 

Our operations during 2015 have delivered 
increased EBITDA of US$ 138.5 million (2014: 
US$ 124.8 million after adding back non-
operational IPO costs). On a constant 
currency* basis, EBITDA increased by 16%. 
Adjusted net profit after taxation for 2015 
increased by 4% to US$ 84.9 million (2014: 
US$ 81.3 million), on a constant currency* 
basis an increase of 11%. Adjusted diluted 
EPS was broadly flat at 24.05 cents (2014: 
23.71 cents), on a constant currency* basis 
growth was 7%. 

The Group will continue to focus on cost 
management and achieving operational 
efficiencies in 2016.

GMS continues to have a sound financial 
position with a healthy balance sheet and 
resilient operating cash flows. Total capital 
expenditure for 2015 of US$ 205.4 million 
(2014: US$ 140.7 million) was primarily spent 
on construction of new vessels (US$ 127.6 
million) together with the acquisition of a 
new Small Class vessel (US$ 53.0 million) that 
was accounted for as a finance lease. The 
Group refinanced its bank borrowings during 
the year and at 31 December 2015 there 
were undrawn committed bank facilities of 
US$ 225.0 million (2014: US$ 130.0 million). 
The net debt level (being borrowings  
and finance lease obligations less cash) 
increased to US$ 398.9 million at the year 
end (2014: US$ 273.6 million) mainly as a 
result of the continued investment of 
funding as part of the new build programme. 
The Group’s net leverage ratio was 2.9 times 
(2014: 2.2 times) EBITDA. 

adjusted and statutory results is contained 
in note 6.

Revenue and segmental profit 
Revenue increased by 12% to US$ 219.7 
million in 2015 (2014: US$ 196.6 million) 
reflecting the increase in the number of 
vessels in the SESV fleet together with  
high utilisation of 98% (2014: 97%) and 
maintenance of overall healthy charter day 
rates during the year. Revenue growth on  
a constant currency* basis was 15% during 
the year. 

During the year 72% of total Group revenue 
was derived from customers located in  
the MENA region (2014: 64%) while the 
remaining 28% of revenue was earned from 
customers located in Northern Europe  
(2014: 36%). 

The Small Class vessel segment made the 
largest contribution to Group revenue with 
US$ 114.5 million (2014: US$ 104.4 million). 
Revenue contribution from Large Class 
vessels was US$ 86.4 million (2014: US$ 79.4 
million), US$ 14.5 million for Mid-size Class 
vessels (2014: US$ nil) and US$ 4.3 million 
(2014: US$ 12.8 million) for Other vessels. 
The segment profit, being gross profit 
excluding depreciation, was US$ 82.7 million 
(2014: US$ 75.6 million) for Small Class 
vessels, US$ 64.6 million (2014: US$ 60.5 
million) for Large Class vessels, US$ 10.1 
million for Mid-size Class vessels (2014: US$ 
nil), and US$ 0.9 million (2014: US$ 7.6 million) 
for Other vessels.

The backlog as at 1 March 2016 was  
US$ 443.9 million comprising firm and option 
periods on existing charters. The backlog 
has been adjusted to reflect a known 
reduction in contract period agreed after 
this date for one of our Small Class vessels. 
When negotiating terms with customers  
the Group maintains a balance between 
profitability and revenue visibility through 
contracted backlog.

The following sections discuss the Group’s 
adjusted results as the Directors consider 
that they provide a useful indicator of 
performance. The adjusting items (non-
operational costs) are discussed below in 
this review and a reconciliation between the 

Cost of sales and general and 
administrative expenses
The Group has a relatively predictable 
operating cost base, which is kept under 
constant review to ensure tight control is 

maintained as the business grows. Cost  
of sales increased by 25% to US$ 87.5 million 
(2014: US$ 70.1 million) primarily reflecting 
the addition of the three new vessels to the 
fleet during the year. Cost of sales, excluding 
depreciation and amortisation, expressed as 
a percentage of revenue, remained relatively 
constant at 28% (2014: 27%). We are  
very conscious of managing our costs 
appropriately in the current environment. 
However, whilst fleet utilisation remains  
high there is limited scope for material cost 
reductions as certain operating costs for 
vessels tend to remain relatively fixed.  
If utilisation levels were to reduce 
significantly, there would be more flexibility 
to make further material cost savings. 

General and administrative expenses were 
US$ 20.9 million in 2015 (2014: US$ 19.7 
million – excluding non-operational IPO  
costs of US$ 5.7 million) reflecting the 
expanded workforce and operations to 
effectively meet the increased requirements 
of our growing business. As a percentage  
of revenue, general and administrative 
expenses excluding non-recurring costs  
was flat at 10% (2014: 10%). 

The Group will continue to focus on cost 
management and achieving operational 
efficiencies in 2016. 

EBITDA
EBITDA for the year increased to US$ 138.5 
million (2014: Adjusted for IPO costs US$ 
124.8 million). The Group’s EBITDA margin  
in 2015 was good overall at 63% (2014: 64%). 
On a constant currency* basis, adjusted 
EBITDA increased by 16%. The Group’s 
constant currency* EBITDA margin was  
flat year-on-year.

Finance costs 
Net finance costs in 2015 were higher at  
US$ 33.5 million (2014: US$ 20.5 million), 
primarily occurring as a result of the 
expensing of unamortised loan arrangement 
fees of US$ 9.9 million that were fully written 
off at the time of the Group refinancing 
which was completed at the end of 2015. 
After excluding these legacy items, net 
finance costs increased by US$ 3.1 million 
reflecting the additional loan drawdowns in 
2015 to fund the new build programme. 

During the year US$ 5.8 million (2014:  
US$ 3.4 million) of finance costs were 
capitalised as part of the new build 
programme as directly attributable costs.

Taxation
The tax charge for the year was US$ 2.1 
million (2014: US$ 4.7 million), representing 
3% of profit for the year before taxation 
(2014: 6%). The decrease in the effective tax 
rate arises mainly from a greater weighting 
of profits being generated in lower or zero 
tax jurisdictions.

* Please refer to the Glossary.

30

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015Adjusted net profit and  
earnings per share
The Group recorded an increase in adjusted 
net profit of 4% in 2015 to US$ 84.9 million 
(2014: US$ 81.3 million), an increase of 11% on 
a constant currency* basis. The fully diluted 
adjusted earnings per share (DEPS) for the 
year was broadly flat at 24.05 cents (2014: 
23.71 cents), on a constant currency* basis 
growth was 7%. Adjusted DEPS is calculated 
based on adjusted profit after tax and a 
reconciliation between the adjusted and 
statutory profit, is provided in note 6. 

Dividends 
The Group paid an interim dividend of 0.41 
pence per ordinary share on 28 September 
2015 to shareholders on the register at 
4 September 2015.

The Board is recommending a final dividend 
of 1.20 pence (1.74 cents) per share to be  
paid in cash for the year ended 31 December 
2015. Subject to shareholder approval, this 
will be paid on 16 May 2016 to all ordinary 
shareholders who were on the register of 
members at close of business on 15 April 
2016. This brings the total 2015 dividend  
to US$ 8.5 million which represents 10%  
of adjusted net profit for the year.

Capital expenditure 
The Group’s capital expenditure during  
the year ended 31 December 2015 was  
US$ 205.4 million (2014: US$ 140.7 million). 
The main area of investment was additions 
to assets under the course of construction 
(Capital work in progress) of US$ 139.2 
million (2014: US$ 136.6 million) which 
includes new build expenditure of US$ 127.6 
million. Additions to vessels amounted to 
US$ 64.6 million (2014: US$ 1.7 million) which 
includes the acquisition of a new Small Class 
vessel for US$ 53.0 million that was treated 
as a finance lease. 

A record level of special projects were 
undertaken during H1 2015. These special 
projects included vessel modifications and 
upgrades, and contract mobilisations. Whilst 
we benefit from longer term contracts being 
secured, the vessels are out of service which 
reduces the number of days available for 
hire. Approximately US$ 24.7 million was 
expended on special projects on vessels 
during the year. 

Cash flow and liquidity 
The Group’s net cash flow from operating 
activities continued to be healthy in the year, 
reflected in a net inflow of US$ 125.0 million 
(2014: net inflow of US$ 120.3 million). The  
net cash outflow from investing activities for 
2015 was US$ 189.8 million (2014: US$ 139.6 
million). The increase in outflow was mainly 
due to investment on capital expenditure as 
we continued to deliver on our new build 
programme. The Group’s net cash flow 

* Please refer to the Glossary.

relating to financing activities during  
the year was an inflow of US$ 66.1 million 
(2014: US$ 31.9 million). 

The net debt position as at 31 December 
2015 was US$ 398.9 million, compared to 
US$ 273.6 million as at 31 December 2014. 
The year end outstanding debt was  
US$ 459.7 million (2014: US$ 333.1 million) 
comprising bank borrowings of US$ 365.1 
million (2014: US$ 249.2 million) and finance 
lease obligations of US$ 94.6 million (2014: 
US$ 84.0 million). Undrawn committed bank 
facilities were US$ 225.0 million at year end 
(2014: US$ 130.0 million).

In December 2015, the Group refinanced its 
bank debt facilities, delivering improvements 
to some of the key terms of the loan, such 
as available facility, borrowing margins, and 
tenure. The Group’s net leverage ratio, being 
the ratio of net debt (including finance lease 
obligations) to EBITDA, was 2.9 times at year 
end (2014: 2.2 times) against a maximum net 
leverage ratio permitted under the bank 
facility agreement of 4.0 times EBITDA. The 
Group remained in full compliance with all its 
debt covenants, with significant headroom, 
during the year and expects to remain so.

Capital expenditure for 2016 is forecast to  
be approximately US$ 150.0 million, which 
comprises US$ 51.0 million for the acquisition 
of a leased Small Class vessel in Q1 2016  
and new build and modification capital 
expenditure of approximately US$ 100.0 
million. The net debt level is expected to 
peak in 2016 at approximately US$ 435.0 
million before reducing to around US$ 425.0 
million by year end. 

Balance sheet
The Group has a healthy and well financed 
balance sheet. A review of the major 
components of the balance sheet follows. 

Total current assets at 31 December 2015 
were US$ 120.7 million (2014: US$ 109.5 
million). This movement is mainly 
attributable to an increase in trade and 
other receivables to US$ 59.9 million (2014: 
US$ 49.9 million) reflecting an increase in 
billings at year end in line with the expansion 
in the size of our fleet. The credit quality of 
the outstanding receivables is considered  
to be strong as the Group’s customers are 
mainly NOCs and IOCs. Cash and cash 
equivalents at year end increased to US$ 
60.8 million (2014: US$ 59.5 million).

Total current liabilities at 31 December  
2015 were US$ 110.0 million (2014: US$ 99.8 
million), the principal movement being the 
increase in the current portion of obligations 
under finance leases to US$ 55.0 million 
(2014: US$ 41.5 million) mainly as a result of 
the Group exercising a purchase option to 
acquire a leased Small Class vessel that was 
completed in Q1 2016. There was an increase 

in trade and other payables to US$ 33.9 
million (2014: US$ 30.1 million). 

The combined effect of the above items  
was an increase in the Group’s working 
capital and cash balance to US$ 10.7 million 
at 31 December 2015 (2014: US$ 9.7 million). 

Total non-current assets at 31 December 
2015 were US$ 803.4 million (2014: US$  
620.2 million). This increase is primarily 
attributable to the US$ 181.7 million increase 
in the net book value of property, plant and 
equipment, mainly from the ongoing new 
build programme to expand the fleet.  
Total non-current liabilities at 31 December 
2015 were US$ 390.2 million (2014: US$ 270.7 
million). This increase reflects the refinancing 
of the Group’s bank borrowings resulting in 
an increase in the non-current portion of 
borrowings to US$ 347.3 million (2014: US$ 
225.7 million).

Shareholders’ equity increased from US$ 
358.6 million at 31 December 2014 to US$ 
423.3 million at 31 December 2015. The 
movement is mainly attributed to profit 
earned during the year which was partly 
offset by the dividend paid of US$ 7.8 million.

Adjusting items 
The Group presents adjusted results, in 
addition to the statutory results, as the 
Directors consider that they provide a  
useful indication of underlying performance. 
The items that are excluded from the 
adjusted results are non-operational items. 
In 2015 these comprised the expensing of 
unamortised loan arrangement fees of US$ 
9.9 million that were written off at the time  
of the Group refinancing. A reconciliation 
between the adjusted and statutory results 
is provided in note 6. 

Outlook 
The Group is well-placed to manage the 
current challenges within the industry as  
it has a healthy balance sheet, resilient 
operating cash flows and is well funded.  
We will maintain our focus on what we can 
manage, including customer relations, 
preserving a financially sound balance sheet, 
controlling our cost base and capitalising on 
the youngest and most cost efficient fleet  
in our sector. 

It remains our intention to ensure the 
business has a capital structure that  
allows it to continue to invest in the  
fleet as appropriate and deliver strong 
shareholder returns in the future.

John Brown
Chief Financial Officer 
21 March 2016

31

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTION 
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

We incorporate our core values of Responsibility, Excellence and 
Relationships into all aspects of our business. We are committed to 
ensuring the health and safety of our employees, subcontractors,  
clients and partners and to upholding high ethical standards.

Ethical Practice
Our Code of Conduct sets out the basic rules 
of the Group and its purpose is to ensure we 
work safely, ethically, efficiently and within 
the laws of the countries in which we 
operate. All our staff receive Code of 
Conduct training as part of their induction. 
Our reputation and our success is 
dependent on our staff taking responsibility 
for putting the Code of Conduct into practice 
and maintaining a high ethical standard in 
our work and in our dealings with our clients, 
host and foreign governments, joint venture 
partners and associates, contractors, 

employees, consultants, agents, and 
everyone with whom we have business 
dealings throughout the world. Our Code 
includes our standards and practices related 
to anti-bribery and corruption policies and 
anti-money laundering and competition 
laws, provides details on how to raise 
concerns and has information on our 
whistleblowing policy. 

Compliance
GMS operates responsibly within a 
framework of formal legal and regulatory 
disclosure requirements. Our corporate 

governance structure is designed to ensure 
we are well-positioned to conduct our 
business appropriately as we seek to deliver 
the best value for our shareholders. We are 
committed to the clear and comprehensive 
communication of our financial and 
non-financial performance to our 
stakeholders via regulatory reporting and 
through our website. During the period,  
we have strengthened our integrated 
management systems (IMS) to enable  
our continual improvement as we deliver 
services and products that comply with ISO 
and related certifications across the Group. 

Case study

SAFETY FOR OUR ON-SITE AND OFFSHORE 
SUBCONTRACTED PERSONNEL 

Subcontractors form the majority of our 
new build programme workforce. During 
heavy construction phases there can be 
in excess of 500 subcontracted personnel 
working on-site and it is mandatory for  
all of these to complete the GMS HSSEQ 
Induction. Offshore personnel undertake  
an online induction designed to familiarise 
them with the Group’s policies, which also 
includes our 12 Life Saving Rules (LSRs). 

The LSRs, which supplement and support 
the existing company management 
systems, programmes and policies, were 
developed as a result of our risk-based 
approach to hazard identification and 
ensure all personnel, regardless of their 
company affiliation, are aware of these 
risks and GMS’ expectations. 

We include all our on-site subcontracted 
personnel in our HSE performance 
monitoring so that our standards are 
consistent across the entire workforce. 
Our Welfare Committee also helps to 
protect the interests of our on-site 
subcontracted personnel whose issues 
can be brought to the attention of our 
management and addressed 
appropriately.

32

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015Client Relationships
We value the relationships we have with  
our clients, which are built on trust and a 
proven track record of delivering successful 
operations. Many of these relationships  
are with long-term clients, in the case of 
ADNOC subsidiaries spanning more than  
40 years. We continually seek to improve  
our operational procedures across our 
entire fleet and during the period were 
pleased to receive an award from a client  
for our exceptional HSE performance on one 
of our vessels that has achieved in excess  
of 15 years’ zero lost time injuries. Through 
close collaboration with our clients, we are 
able to offer considerable flexibility whereby  
we can tailor our vessels to suit their  
evolving needs. 

Engagement with our Employees 
and Subcontractors
We are committed to providing our 
employees and on-site subcontractors  
with a safe working environment. We ensure 
our subcontracted personnel working at our 
premises or in our vessels offshore are 
treated with the same respect afforded to 
our own staff and that they comply with the 
Group’s standards and working practices. 

We encourage an honest and open dialogue 
with our workforce and host a variety of 
formal and informal communications 
initiatives. In addition, our offshore 
performance coaches’ act as a sounding 
board for issues close to the crews’ hearts, 
with feedback passed to the GMS senior 
management team for appropriate action. 

Our Welfare Committee provides the 
opportunity for our yard staff to discuss  
any issues they may have and helps us to 
monitor their health and wellbeing. In 2015, 
we also initiated a healthy lifestyle campaign 
and hosted visiting doctors who advised 
staff on fitness and nutrition and provided 
on-site vaccination programmes. We are 
committed to ensuring the personal and 
professional development of our staff, so 
they can reach their full potential within 
GMS. More information on how we develop 
our people can be found in our Business 
Model on page 13.

33

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTION 
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CONTINUED

Community Involvement
GMS understands how important it is to 
contribute to the local communities where 
we work and has a number of ongoing 
initiatives. We encourage a healthy living 
lifestyle, both within the Group and the wider 
community, through our support of various 
sports such as GMS’ own cricket and football 
teams, local cycling, football and rugby, and 
through our regular support of charity 
events. During the period we were also 
pleased to work closely with the Emirates 
Red Crescent as a preferred charity of 
choice for GMS. Further information can be 
found in the case study on the next page. 

Supporting Cycling in the UAE
GMS has been supporting cycling in the UAE 
for seven years through sponsorship and the 
provision of a safety vehicle to a cycling club 
in Abu Dhabi. The Group has significantly 
raised awareness of the health benefits of 
cycling and in 2015 sponsored the launch of 
Abu Dhabi’s first formalised cycling league; 
co-sponsors in the inaugural series of six 
races included the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. 
A total of 80 cyclists from 25 different 
countries took part in the race event,  
with half of the participants being Emiratis.  
The initiative very much supports the 
government’s work to raise awareness  
of diabetes and obesity in the region, 
encouraging a healthier lifestyle for everyone.

Our Values
Our core values of Responsibility, Excellence 
and Relationships define who we are, what 
we believe in and strive for and how we act 
and behave. Further information on our core 
values can be found on our website.

We employ personnel from more than 50 countries and are very proud of our diversity, which ensures we look  
at ourselves, and the way we work, from many different viewpoints. Our people come from the countries shown below.

Australia

Azerbaijan

Bangladesh

Belgium

Bulgaria

Cameroon

Canada

Chile

China

Croatia

Denmark

Egypt

Estonia

France

Germany

Ghana

India

Indonesia

Ireland

Jordan

Kenya

Latvia

Lebanon

Lithuania

Malaysia

Mexico

Nepal

Netherlands

New 
Zealand

Oman

Pakistan

Palestine

Panama

Philippines

Poland

Romania

Russia

Saudi 
Arabia

Serbia

South 
Africa

South 
Korea

Spain

Sri Lanka

Sweden

Syria

Tanzania

Tunisia

Turkey

UAE

Ukraine

United 
Kingdom

United States
of America

Venezuela

Zimbabwe

The charts below provide details on the diversity of our personnel. 

Land-based management*
Total of 37** (34 male, 3 female)

Land-based staff*
Total of 139 (92 male, 47 female)

Offshore employees*
Total of 488 (all male)

3

1

3

2

28

Africa

Asia

Europe 

MENA

Other 
(America, 
Australia, 
New Zealand, 
etc.)

53

18

18

95

Africa

Asia

Europe 

MENA

Other 
(America, 
Australia, 
New Zealand, 
etc.)

11 11

35

134

297

Africa

Asia

Europe 

MENA

Other 
(America, 
Australia, 
New Zealand, 
etc.)

 For cultural and legal reasons the extent to which we can increase the number of female personnel is often limited. For example, we cannot employ women offshore in the Middle East.

* 
**  Of the 37 land-based management, 8 are members of the senior management team (7 male, 1 female).

34

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015 
Environmental Responsibility
We have maintained our strong focus on 
reducing the environmental impact of our 
operations. To support this we introduced  
a number of key initiatives developed 
through our environmental monitoring 
programme targeting waste reduction  
and resource consumption. We also had 
another successful year whereby no 
pollution incidents occured. 

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Statement
This section has been prepared in 
accordance with our regulatory obligation 
to report greenhouse gas emissions 
pursuant to Section 7 of the Companies 
Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ 
Report) Regulations 2013.

We have reported on all of the emission 
sources required. These sources fall within 

our consolidated financial statements. We 
do not have responsibility for any emission 
sources in entities that are not included in 
our consolidated financial statements.

The intensity ratio of tonnes CO2e per  
US$ 1000 of Group revenue earned during 
the reporting period has been chosen 
because, as a service company, the 
amount of revenue earned best reflects 
our operational output and therefore  
the contribution to our GHG emissions.

In calculating our GHG emissions, we  
have used the GHG Protocol Corporate 
Accounting and Reporting Standard 
(revised edition), the Climate Registry  
2014, the IEA CO2 Emissions from Fuel 
combustion 2015 and emission factors 

from the UK Government Conversion 
Factors for Company Reporting 2015.

The table below shows our GHG emissions 
for the period.

The consumption of fuel during the 
operation of our vessels is the largest 
contributor to our GHG emissions. 
Although our vessels are leased to our 
clients on a long-term basis, who both pay 
for fuel and determine where each vessel 
sails, we have chosen to account for their 
GHG emissions within our footprint, in 
accordance with the ‘operational control’ 
approach to developing our GHG footprint. 
The increase in emissions from fuel from 
the previous year is due to an increase in 
vessel usage and the addition of more 
vessels to our fleet.

Global GHG emissions data for period 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015

Emissions from:
Combustion of fuel and operation of facilities
Electricity, heat, steam and cooling purchased for own use
Total (in tonnes CO2e)

Total Revenue in the reporting period

Company’s chosen intensity measurement:
Emissions reported above normalised to the ratio of tonnes of CO2e per US$ 1,000 of Group revenue 

Tonnes of CO2e

2015

2014

62,727
1,447
64,174

US$’000
219,713

39,515
1,038
40,553

US$’000
196,554

0.3

0.2

Case study

SUPPORTING THE EMIRATES RED CRESCENT 

GMS celebrates Ramadan each year, 
hosting an Iftar meal for all staff and their 
families. In 2015, GMS extended this to the 
local community in the industrial area 
surrounding its head office and yard in 
Abu Dhabi. In collaboration with Emirates 
Red Crescent, GMS set up a large tent  
and provided around 1,000 Iftar meals 
during Ramadan. 

The Emirates Red Crescent is a volunteer 
humanitarian organisation that supports 
official authorities in times of peace and 
war. It was internationally attested as a 
member in the international Federation of 
the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies 
in 1986. 

In December, GMS hosted an event  
at it its offices in Abu Dhabi for 20 
underprivileged children aged six to 13. 
The day provided the children with an 
insight into a work environment and 
included a special tour of a GMS vessel 
under construction. 

35

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONGOVERNANCE

GOVERNANCE
Chairman’s Introduction 
Board of Directors 
Corporate Governance 
Report of the Audit and Risk Committee 
Report of the Remuneration Committee 
Report of the Nomination Committee 
Directors’ Report 
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 

3636

38
40
42
45
49
61
62
65

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 20153737

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTGULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION 

Dear Shareholders,

I am pleased to introduce our 2015 Corporate Governance Report, 
our second as a premium listed company on the London Stock 
Exchange. This Corporate Governance Report explains key features 
of the Company’s governance structure to provide a greater 
understanding of how the main principles of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code (“the Code”), have been applied and to highlight 
areas of focus during the year.

The Board continues to be committed to ensuring that the Group 
operates with high standards of corporate governance. We believe 
that it is important that the governance structure supports the 
delivery of the Company’s strategy and helps ensure the continuing 
trust and support of our shareholders, employees, clients and  
other stakeholders. 

The Company’s business is international in scope and carries various 
technical and commercial risks. Therefore, key attention is given to 
the composition of the Board to ensure that it has a balance of wide 
experience of the industry and regulatory environment in which the 
Company operates, as well as appropriate financial, operational and 
risk management skills. In Board positions, whether executive or 
non-executive, objectivity and integrity, as well as skills, experience, 
ability and diversity, assist the Board in its key functions, and are 
prerequisites for appointment. These prerequisites further apply to 
senior management appointments below Board level, as well as the 
Company’s succession planning.

Throughout 2015, the Board considers that the Company has 
complied in all respects with all the relevant recommendations of the 
Code. For readers wishing to review a full copy of the Code, it can be 
located on the Financial Reporting Council website at www.frc.org.uk.

The Board comprises of an independent Chairman, an executive 
Director, three independent non-executive Directors and two 
non-executive Directors who are considered by the Board to not  
be independent because of their relationship with Gulf Capital,  
a substantial shareholder in the Company. The Company has three 
Committees: the Audit and Risk Committee, the Remuneration 
Committee and the Nomination Committee, all of which are compliant 
with the Code. The reports from the Chairman of each of these 
committees can be found later in this Annual Report. 

Looking back on 2015, the Company has strengthened its corporate 
governance polices and supported the growth strategy of the 
company by way of maintaining a robust governance structure.  
The focus for 2016 is therefore to maintain and consolidate on this 
established structure whilst continuing to support the Company with 
a highly experienced Board that provides an independent perspective.

On behalf of the Board

Simon Heale 
Chairman
21 March 2016

3838

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015Governance Calendar for 2015

The overall calendar of meetings of the Board and its Committees for 2015 is shown below. 

Further 
Information

Jan

Feb Mar

Apr May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov Dec

Board (Main Meetings)

Page 43

Audit and Risk Committee 

Page 45

Remuneration Committee 

Page 49

Nomination Committee

Page 61

Annual General Meeting

Page 114

For details of the responsibilities of the Board Committees, their terms of reference can be found on the Company’s website.

Meeting Attendance by Directors in 2015

The attendance of the Directors at the meetings of the Board and its Committees is shown below.

  Attended

  Attended all or part of meeting as an invitee

Board

Audit & Risk

Remuneration

Nomination

Simon Heale

Duncan Anderson

Simon Batey

H. Richard Dallas

Dr Karim El Solh

Mike Straughen

W. Richard Anderson

Christopher Foll, a Chartered Accountant and Chief Financial Officer of Gulf Capital, has been appointed as an alternate Director for H. Richard Dallas and Dr Karim El Solh; further 
details can be found in the Directors’ Report on page 63.

3939

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTGULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Simon Heale 
Independent  
Non-executive Chairman

Duncan Anderson 
Chief Executive Officer

Simon Batey 
Senior Independent  
Non-executive Director

Appointment Date

February 2014

A non-executive director at 
Coats plc from 2010 to 2014. 
Served on the boards of PZ 
Cussons from 2007 to 2013  
and Morgan Advanced Materials 
from 2005 to 2014. Non-
executive director and chairman 
at Panmure Gordon & Co plc 
from 2007 to 2011. Has 
extensive experience in senior 
executive roles, including as 
chief executive at the London 
Metal Exchange from 2001 to 
2006, chief operating officer and 
chief financial officer at Jardine 
Fleming Ltd from 1997 to 2001 
and deputy managing director 
at Cathay Pacific Airways  
from 1994 to 1997. 

A Chartered Accountant  
with a degree in Philosophy, 
Politics and Economics from 
Oxford University. 

Non-executive chairman at Kaz 
Minerals plc, previously known 
as Kazakhmys plc, since 2013 
and a non-executive director 
since 2007. Non-executive 
chairman of Marex Spectron 
since 2016 and a non-executive 
director since 2007. A trustee  
of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Chairman of the Nomination 
Committee.

Experience

External Appointments

Committees

4040

January 2014  
(with the Group since  
October 2007)

Brings a wealth of experience, 
spanning more than 34 years,  
to the executive team gained 
from prior role as chief operating 
officer at the UAE-based 
Lamnalco Group, which included 
the management of a fleet of 90 
vessels, as well as increasing the 
client base in West Africa and 
the Middle East. Also operated 
the largest offshore service 
vessel fleet in the region as  
chief operating officer at Gulf 
Offshore North Sea. Responsible 
for leading the management  
of the GMS Group and the 
implementation of its strategy. 

A UK Chartered Engineer, with 
a post-graduate BSc (Hons) 
degree in Marine Machinery 
Monitoring Control. 

February 2014

An independent non-executive 
director and chairman of the 
Audit Committee at Telecity 
Group from 2007 to 2016.  
A non-executive director at  
Arriva plc from 2003 to 2010, 
THUS Group plc in 2006 and 
BlackRock New Energy 
Investment Trust plc from 2010 
to 2014. A member of the Postal 
Services Commission, responsible 
for the regulation of the UK 
postal services sector, from  
2010 to 2011. As a Chartered 
Accountant, spent 12 years in 
professional practice with 
Armitage & Norton (now part of 
KPMG), latterly as a partner. Has 
more than 20 years’ experience 
in a number of senior finance 
roles in industry. Group finance 
director of United Utilities plc 
between 2000 and 2006. Chief 
financial officer at Thames Water 
Utilities Ltd from 2006 to 2007. 
Between 1987 and 2000, worked 
at AMEC Foster Wheeler plc, 
initially as deputy group finance 
director and then, from 1992, as 
group finance director.

A Chartered Accountant with 
an MA in Geography from 
Oxford University. 

Member of ABS Worldwide 
Technical Committee.

Capital programme  
consultancy work.

Chairman of the Audit 
and Risk Committee.
Member of the Nomination and 
Remuneration Committees.

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015 
Simon Heale 

Independent  

Non-executive Chairman

Duncan Anderson 

Chief Executive Officer

Simon Batey 

Senior Independent  

Non-executive Director

W. Richard Anderson 
Independent  
Non-executive Director

Mike Straughen 
Independent  
Non-executive Director

H. Richard Dallas 
Non-executive Director

Dr Karim El Solh 
Non-executive Director

Appointment Date

February 2014

February 2014

February 2014

February 2014

February 2014

February 2014

Has 37 years’ experience in the 
oil and gas industry and related 
finance and management. 
Previously, chief financial officer 
at Eurasia Drilling Company from 
2008 to 2015 and a member of 
the Board from 2011 to 2015. 
President and chief executive 
officer at Prime Natural 
Resources Inc from 1999 to 2007. 
Partner from 1989 to 1995 and 
then managing partner from 
1995 to 1998 at Hein & 
Associates LLP. Served on the 
boards of Calibre Energy Inc from 
2005 to 2007, Transocean Ltd 
from 2007 to 2011 and Boots & 
Coots Inc from 1999 to 2010.

A Certified Public Accountant, 
with a BSc in Business from 
University of Colorado, magna 
cum laude, and a Masters in 
Taxation from the University  
of Denver.

Board member of the John 
Wood Group PLC and chief 
executive officer of the 
Engineering Division from  
2007 to 2014. With AMEC 
for 25 years, latterly as group 
managing director responsible 
for UK activities across all 
sectors including global oil & gas. 
A member of PILOT, the UK 
Government Oil & Gas Advisory 
Board, from 2000 to 2007 and 
chairman of the Energy Industry 
Council from 2002 to 2007. 
Recently a member of the UK 
Government’s Offshore Wind 
Cost Reduction Task Force.  
A member of the Scottish 
Government’s Energy Advisory 
Board from January 2013 to 
September 2014.

A Chartered Engineer with  
a BSc (Hons) degree in 
Mechanical Engineering  
from Newcastle University.

Previously served as managing 
director of Oryx Capital 
International, an investment 
group composed of families  
from GCC that specialised in 
small to mid-cap investments in 
the United States, from 1998 to 
2007. A partner of Gibson, Dunn 
& Crutcher from 1985 to 1998 
and established and managed 
offices in London and  
Saudi Arabia. 

Holds an A.B. degree in 
Economics, with honours, from 
Stanford University and a J.D. 
degree from the University of 
Southern California.

Chairman of the board at 
Vanguard Natural Resources 
LLC since 2008. Non-executive 
director at Soma Oil & Gas 
Holdings since 2013.

A non-executive director  
of three privately owned  
oilfield services businesses.  
A member of the Energy 
Institute since 2001.

Managing director at Gulf Capital 
since 2007. 

Committees

Chairman of the Nomination 

Committee.

Chairman of the Audit 

and Risk Committee.

Member of the Nomination and 

Remuneration Committees.

Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee.
Member of the Audit and Risk, 
and Nomination Committees.

Member of the Audit and Risk, 
Nomination and Remuneration 
Committees.

Co-founder of Gulf Capital, one 
of the largest alternative asset 
management firms in the Middle 
East, since its formation in 2006. 
Under his leadership, Gulf Capital 
has been associated with some 
of the region’s most prominent 
transactions, with the firm 
managing in excess of  
US$ 53 billion in assets.

Chairman of Maritime Industrial 
Services from 2007 to 2011  
and Chairman of Metito from 
2006 to 2014. Chief executive 
officer of the Abu Dhabi-based 
Investment Bank, The National 
Investor, from 2001 to 2005. 

Holds a B.S. degree in Civil 
Engineering from Cornell 
University, an MBA from 
Georgetown University and a 
Doctorate in Economics from 
the Institute D’Etudes Politiques 
de Paris (Science Po).

Chief executive officer 
of Gulf Capital since 2006.
Co-managing partner of 
Gulf Related since 2010.
Chairman of Reach Group 
since 2014. 

Member of the Nomination 
Committee.

4141

Experience

A non-executive director at 

Brings a wealth of experience, 

An independent non-executive 

January 2014  

(with the Group since  

October 2007)

Coats plc from 2010 to 2014. 

spanning more than 34 years,  

director and chairman of the 

Served on the boards of PZ 

Cussons from 2007 to 2013  

to the executive team gained 

Audit Committee at Telecity 

from prior role as chief operating 

Group from 2007 to 2016.  

and Morgan Advanced Materials 

officer at the UAE-based 

A non-executive director at  

from 2005 to 2014. Non-

Lamnalco Group, which included 

Arriva plc from 2003 to 2010, 

executive director and chairman 

the management of a fleet of 90 

THUS Group plc in 2006 and 

at Panmure Gordon & Co plc 

vessels, as well as increasing the 

BlackRock New Energy 

from 2007 to 2011. Has 

client base in West Africa and 

Investment Trust plc from 2010 

extensive experience in senior 

the Middle East. Also operated 

to 2014. A member of the Postal 

executive roles, including as 

the largest offshore service 

Services Commission, responsible 

chief executive at the London 

vessel fleet in the region as  

for the regulation of the UK 

Metal Exchange from 2001 to 

chief operating officer at Gulf 

postal services sector, from  

2006, chief operating officer and 

Offshore North Sea. Responsible 

2010 to 2011. As a Chartered 

chief financial officer at Jardine 

for leading the management  

Accountant, spent 12 years in 

Fleming Ltd from 1997 to 2001 

of the GMS Group and the 

professional practice with 

and deputy managing director 

implementation of its strategy. 

Armitage & Norton (now part of 

at Cathay Pacific Airways  

from 1994 to 1997. 

A Chartered Accountant  

Politics and Economics from 

Oxford University. 

with a degree in Philosophy, 

Monitoring Control. 

A UK Chartered Engineer, with 

more than 20 years’ experience 

a post-graduate BSc (Hons) 

degree in Marine Machinery 

KPMG), latterly as a partner. Has 

in a number of senior finance 

roles in industry. Group finance 

director of United Utilities plc 

between 2000 and 2006. Chief 

financial officer at Thames Water 

Utilities Ltd from 2006 to 2007. 

Between 1987 and 2000, worked 

at AMEC Foster Wheeler plc, 

initially as deputy group finance 

director and then, from 1992, as 

group finance director.

A Chartered Accountant with 

an MA in Geography from 

Oxford University. 

Capital programme  

consultancy work.

External Appointments

Non-executive chairman at Kaz 

Member of ABS Worldwide 

Minerals plc, previously known 

Technical Committee.

as Kazakhmys plc, since 2013 

and a non-executive director 

since 2007. Non-executive 

chairman of Marex Spectron 

since 2016 and a non-executive 

director since 2007. A trustee  

of Macmillan Cancer Support.

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTGULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015  
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Corporate Governance Report
Compliance with UK Corporate Governance Code (“the Code”)
The Company has complied with all the relevant provisions set out in 
the Code during the year. 

Governance Overview
Membership of the Board 
The composition of the Board complies with the provision of the  
UK Code which provides that independent non-executive Directors 
should comprise at least half of the Board, excluding the Chairman.

Chairman
Simon Heale

Executive Director
Duncan Anderson

Independent non-executive Directors
W. Richard Anderson, Mike Straughen

Senior Independent non-executive 
Director Simon Batey

Non-executive Directors
Karim El Solh, H. Richard Dallas

The composition, qualifications, experience and balance of skills on 
the Board are regularly reviewed by the Board to ensure that there 
is the right mix on the Board and its Committees and that they are 
working effectively. The current members of the Board have a wide 
range of skills and experience and their biographies can be found on 
pages 40 to 41. 

Division of Board Responsibilities

Non-executive Director Independence
The Board considers and reviews the independence of each 
non-executive Director on an annual basis as part of the Directors’ 
performance evaluation. In carrying out the review, consideration is 
given to factors such as their character, judgment, commitment and 
performance on the Board and relevant Committees and their ability 
to provide objective challenge to Management. Following the annual 
review for 2015, the Board concluded that each of the independent 
non-executive Directors reviewed continue to demonstrate those 
behaviours and continued to be considered by the Board as 
independent.

Division of Responsibilities
In compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, a clear 
written division of responsibilities between the roles of Chairman 
and Chief Executive Officer has been agreed by the Board. The 
Chairman is responsible for the leadership and effectiveness of  
the Board. He chairs the Board meetings, ensures the agendas are 
appropriate and is responsible for ensuring that all Directors actively 
contribute to the determination of the Group’s strategy. The Chief 
Executive Officer is responsible for the day-to-day management  
of the Group and implementing the Group’s strategy, developing 
proposals for Board approval and ensuring that a regular dialogue 
with shareholders is maintained. The separation of authority 
enhances independent oversight of Executive Management by the 
Board and helps to ensure that no one individual on the Board has 
unfettered authority.

Chairman

Chief Executive Officer 

•  Provided strategic insight from his wide-ranging business 

•  Brought matters of particular significance or risk to the 

experience and contacts built up over many years.

Chairman, for discussion and consideration if appropriate.

•  Met major shareholders on governance matters and was an 

•  Represented the Group to its shareholders, customers, 

alternate point of contact instead of the Chief Executive Officer 
for shareholders on other matters as well.

•  Provided a sounding board for the Chief Executive Officer on key 
business decisions, challenging proposals where appropriate.

suppliers and the general industry.

•  Led the business and the rest of the management team.
•  Led the development of the Group’s strategy with input from 

the rest of the Board and our advisers.

•  Agreed with executive Director’s subjects for particular 

•  Worked with the Chairman in agreeing subjects for particular 

consideration by the Board during the year at Board meetings, 
ensuring that adequate time is available to discuss all  
agenda items.

•  Promoted effective relations between the non-executive 

Directors and the Executive Management.

consideration by the Board during the year.

Effective Division of Responsibilities and Board Operation

Senior Independent Director 

Company Secretary 

•  Made himself available to shareholders if they had concerns  

•  Secretary to the Board and each of its Committees, reporting 

that could not be addressed through normal channels.
•  Acted as an internal sounding board for the Chairman.
•  Served as an intermediary for the other Directors with the 

Chairman when necessary.

directly to their Chairman.

•  Assisted the Chairman to ensure that Board papers are clear, 

accurate, timely, succinct and of sufficient quality to enable the 
Board to discharge its duties effectively.

•  Ensured balanced understanding of major shareholders’  

•  Provided advice to the Board and each of its Committees through 

issues and concerns.

the Chairman concerning Board and governance matters.

4242

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015 
Board Calendar for 2015

January

March

May

June

August

October

December

Nomination 
Committee  
Report:
•  Board  

Evaluation 
Process

Review of key  
risks facing  
the Group

Macro-economic 
conditions

Review and  
approval of  
2014 annual results

Competitive 
landscape

Competitive 
landscape

Group 
Dividend 
Policy and  
Gearing

Succession 
planning

Review and  
approval  
of 2015  
Half Year  
Results

Macro-economic 
conditions

Competitive 
landscape

Group Dividend 
Policy and  
Gearing

Approval of  
latest new  
build vessel

Approval  
of Group 
Strategic  
Plan (2016  
to 2019)

Review and 
approval of 
2016 budget

Approval of 
2016 Group 
KPIs

Annual 
discussion  
in absence  
of Chairman

Review of key  
risks facing  
the Group

Macro-
economic 
conditions

Group capital 
structure

Group three 
year strategic 
plan

Competitive 
landscape

Approval  
of Group  
refinancing 
plans

Review and discussion of:

Review of reports on:

investor relations and feedback

• 
•  new build programme
•  market update
•  contractual update
•  operational matters
•  strategic opportunities

•  finance and accounting matters
•  health, safety and environment
•  personnel and support services
•  risk management
•  trading and forecast update

Review of reports from Board 
Committees as relevant

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How the Board Operates
The Board is responsible for providing entrepreneurial leadership  
of the Company, exercising its business judgment on behalf of the 
Company within a framework of prudent and effective controls. It 
also agrees the strategic direction and governance structure that 
will help achieve the long-term success of the Company and deliver 
shareholder value. The Board takes the lead in areas such as 
strategy, financial policy, annual budgeting, significant potential 
acquisitions, risk management and the overall system of internal 
control. The Board’s full responsibilities are set out in the matters 
reserved for the Board. The ultimate responsibility for the Company 
rests with the Board and its legal powers and responsibilities are 
stated in the Articles of Association, which are available for 
inspection at the Company’s registered office in the UK. 

The Board delegates authority to its Committees to carry out 
certain tasks on its behalf, so that it can operate efficiently and give 
the right level of attention and consideration to relevant matters. 
The composition and role of each Committee is summarised on 
pages 45 to 61 and their full terms of reference are available on  
the Company’s website.

The Chairman, along with the Chief Executive Officer and the 
Company Secretary, has established Board processes designed to 
maximise its performance. Key aspects of these are shown below:

•  the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary 
meet towards the beginning of each year to agree an overall 
calendar of subjects to be discussed by the Board during the year.

•  Board meetings are timetabled to ensure adequate time for  
open discussion of each agenda item allowing for questions, 
scrutiny, constructive challenge and full debates on key matters 
for decisions to be taken by consensus (although any dissenting 
views would be minuted accordingly).

•  the development of Group strategy is led by the Chief Executive 
Officer, with input, challenge, examination and ongoing testing 
from the non-executive Directors and subsequently reviewed 
throughout the year.

•  good working relationships exist between non-executive Directors 

and non-Board members of the senior management team.

•  members of the senior management team draw on the collective 
experience of the Board, including its non-executive Directors.
•  comprehensive reporting packs, which are designed to be clear, 
accurate and analytical, are normally distributed in advance  
of Board meetings allowing sufficient time for their review, 
consideration and clarification or amplification of reports in 
advance of the meeting.

•  once goals have been set and actions agreed, the Board receives 

regular reports on their implementation.

•  comprehensive management accounts with commentary  

and analysis are distributed to the Board on a monthly basis.
•  the Board reviews the Group’s risk register at each of its main 

meetings and challenges this where appropriate.

•  the Board visits the Group’s major business locations both to 
review its operations and new build vessels and to meet with  
local management.

•  all Directors have open access to the Group’s key advisers, 

including Management and the Company Secretary, and are also 
entitled to seek independent professional advice at the Group’s 
expense where appropriate.

4343

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE continued

Appointment and Tenure
All non-executive Directors serve on the basis of letters of 
appointment which are available for inspection at the Company’s 
registered office. The letters of appointment set out the expected 
time commitment of non-executive Directors, who, on appointment, 
undertake that they will have sufficient time to meet what is 
expected of them. 

The non-executive Directors are appointed for a term of three 
years, subject to earlier termination, including provision for early 
termination by either the Company or the non-executive Director  
on three months’ notice. In accordance with the Company’s Articles 
of Association, all Directors must retire by rotation and seek 
re-election by shareholders every three years; however, it is 
intended that the Directors will each retire and submit themselves 
for re-election by shareholders annually.

Director Induction and Training 
The training needs of the Directors are periodically discussed at 
Board meetings and briefings are arranged on issues relating to 
corporate governance and other areas of importance. Arrangements 
are in place for any newly appointed Directors to undertake an 
induction programme designed to develop their knowledge and 
understanding of the Company. The induction programme includes 
briefing sessions during regular Board meetings, visits to the 
Company’s fabrication yard, meetings with members of the wider 
management team and discussions on relevant business issues. 
Upon appointment Directors are advised of their legal and other 
duties and their obligations as Directors of a listed company and 
under the Companies Act 2006 and they receive training from the 
Company’s lawyers. 

Director Election 
Following recommendations from the Nomination Committee,  
the Board considers that all Directors continue to be effective, 
committed to their roles and have sufficient time available to 
perform their duties. In accordance with the provisions B.7.1 of the 
UK Corporate Governance Code, all Directors will be subject to annual 
re-election. Accordingly, all Directors elected in 2015 will seek 
re-election at the Company’s 2016 Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) 
as set out in the Notice of the Annual General Meeting (see page 114 
for resolutions relating to re-election of Directors). 

Directors’ Conflicts of Interest
Directors have a statutory duty to avoid situations in which they 
have or may have interests that conflict with those of the Company, 
unless that conflict is first authorised by the Directors. This includes 
potential conflicts that may arise when a Director takes up a position 
with another company. The Company’s Articles of Association allow 
the other Directors to authorise such potential conflicts, and there  
is in place a procedure to deal with any actual or potential conflict  
of interest. The Board deals with each actual or potential conflict  
of interest on its individual merit and takes into consideration all  
the circumstances. 

All potential conflicts approved by the Board are recorded in an 
Interests Register, which is reviewed by the Board at each main 
Board meeting to ensure that the procedure is operating at 
maximum effectiveness. 

Board Evaluation and Effectiveness 
Critical to the success of our Board and Committees in achieving 
their aims is the effectiveness with which they operate. Accordingly, 
we take our evaluation of this seriously. An internal evaluation was 
conducted by the Chairman in 2015 by way of a questionnaire which 
was completed by the Directors. The questionnaire was structured 
to provide Directors with an opportunity to express their views on a 
range of matters including:

•  strategy and implementation;
•  succession planning and talent development; 
•  Board dynamics and operation;
•  Chairman effectiveness;
•  performance of the Board and each of its Committees; and
•  Director self-assessment and training needs.

Following the internal evaluation process conducted in 2016, the 
Board and the Board Committees are satisfied that they are 
operating effectively and that each Director has performed well  
and demonstrated commitment in respect of their individual roles  
on the Board. In accordance with the provisions B.6.2 of UK 
Corporate Governance Code, the Board intends to undertake an 
externally facilitated evaluation at least every three years with the 
next one scheduled in 2017.

Dialogue with shareholders

Shareholder Engagement 

Annual General Meeting

Responsibility for shareholder relations rest with the Chairman, Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer. They ensure that there is effective 
communication with shareholders on matters such as governance and 
strategy, and are responsible for ensuring that the Board understands  
the views of major shareholders.

As part of our investor relations programme a combination of presentations, 
Group calls and one-to-one meetings are arranged to discuss the Company’s 
interim and final results with stock market participants. In the intervening periods 
meetings are held with existing and prospective shareholders to update them on 
our latest performance or to introduce them to the Company. Periodically we 
arrange visits to the business to give analysts, brokers and major shareholders 
a better understanding of how we manage our business and to ensure we 
understand the views of our shareholders. These visits and meetings are 
principally undertaken by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer.

The Board receives regular updates on the views of its shareholders from  
its brokers at its Board meetings. In addition, the Senior Independent  
Director is available to meet if they wish to raise issues separately from  
the arrangements as described above.

The presentations to analysts are published on the Company’s website.

The Company’s 2016 AGM will take place at  
11.30am (UK time) on Wednesday 11 May 2016 at 
Linklaters LLP, One Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8HQ. 
All shareholders have the opportunity to attend 
and vote, in person or by proxy, at the AGM. The 
notice of the AGM can be found on page 114 and on 
the Company’s website. The Notice of AGM sets out 
the business of the Meeting and an explanatory 
note on all resolutions. Separate resolutions are 
proposed in respect of each substantive issue.

The AGM is the Company’s principal forum for 
communication with private shareholders. In 
addition to the formal business, there will be  
a presentation by the Chief Executive Officer  
on the performance of the Group and its future 
development. The Chairman of the Board and the 
Chairman of each Board Committee, together with 
members of senior management, will be available  
to answer shareholders’ questions at the AGM.

4444

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE

Dear Shareholders,

I am pleased to present the Audit and Risk Committee report  
for 2015. The integrity of the Group’s financial results and the 
effectiveness of its risk management and internal control systems 
are important both to Directors and to shareholders. They are also 
critical to the way the Group’s business is operated as they are 
required to measure and to sustain achievement of its strategic 
objectives. As the Audit and Risk Committee, we assist the  
Board in its oversight and monitoring of financial reporting, risk 
management and internal controls. We test and challenge these 
areas in conjunction with management and the internal and external 
auditors as appropriate.

The composition of the Committee remains in compliance with the 
UK Code which provides that all members of the Committee should 
be independent non-executive Directors. The members of the 
Committee who served during the year have been shown above.

The Audit and Risk Committee’s  
responsibilities include:
•  monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of the Group 

and formal announcements relating to the Group’s financial 
performance and reviewing any significant financial reporting 
judgments contained in them;

•  reviewing accounting policies, accounting treatments and 

disclosures in financial reports;

•  reviewing the Group’s internal financial controls and internal 

control and risk management systems;

•  monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of the Group’s 

internal audit function;

•  reviewing the terms of engagement, independence, objectivity 

and effectiveness of the external auditors;

•  advising the Board on the policy with regards to audit tendering, 
taking into account relevant regulatory requirements and making 
recommendations to the Board as to the appointment or 
reappointment of the external auditor;

•  assessing the external audit process and the appropriateness of 
the external auditors to supply non-audit services, in accordance 
with Group policy; 

•  reviewing the Group’s whistleblowing procedures and ensuring 

that arrangements are in place for the proportionate and 
independent investigation of possible improprieties in respect of 
financial and other matters, for appropriate follow-up action; and

•  reporting to the Board, identifying any matters in respect of 

which it considers that action or other improvement is needed 
and making recommendations as to the steps to be taken.

Committee members

Chairman and Senior Independent 
non-executive Director: Simon Batey

Independent non-executive Directors:
W. Richard Anderson
Mike Straughen

The Audit and Risk Committee discharges its responsibilities 
through a series of scheduled meetings during the year, the agenda 
of which is linked to events in the financial calendar of the Company. 
We met seven times during the financial year and attendance at 
those meetings is set out on page 39. The Committee receives reports 
from external advisers and from the senior management team, as 
required, to enable it to discharge its duties. The Chief Financial 
Officer and senior members of the finance team attend each of these 
meetings at our request. The internal auditor attends and presents 
at the majority of meetings. In addition, the external auditor attended 
3 of these meetings and had the opportunity to meet privately with 
the Committee, in the absence of senior management. 

The external auditor receives copies of all relevant Committee 
papers (including papers that were considered at the meeting when 
they were not in attendance) and minutes of all Committee meetings.

The ultimate responsibility for reviewing and approving the Annual 
Report and financial statements and the half-yearly reports remains 
with the Board. The Committee gives due consideration to laws and 
regulations, the provisions of the UK Code and the requirements of 
the Listing Rules, and makes its recommendations on these reports 
to the Board. In 2015, this included an assessment of whether the 
Annual Report taken as a whole was fair, balanced and understandable. 

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Audit and Risk Committee Calendar for 2015

January

March

May

June

August

October

December

Review of 
progress in 
preparation of 
Annual Report

Plans for 
assessing the 
efficiency of 
auditors

Reviews of:
•  2014 annual 

results

•  Report from 

external auditor
•  Performance and 
independence  
of external 
auditor

Recommendations 
to the Board on:
•  The annual 
results

•  Reappointment 
of the auditors

Reviews of:
Internal  
• 
audit plans
•  2014 Annual 

2015 Half  
Year Report 
process 
update

Report 
process and 
closure

Approval of 
2015 Group 
Audit Fees

Review of 2015  
Half Year results

Report from 
external auditor  
on 2015 Half  
Year Results

Recommendations 
to the Board on:
•  The 2015 Half 
Year results

Review of  
Group External 
Audit Plan

Update on 
2015 Annual 
Report 
process

Presentation 
on overall 
findings from 
client audits 
conducted on  
the Group

Reviews of financial reporting, 
including:

•  Any proposed changes to accounting 

policies

•  Developments in reporting and  

accounting requirements affecting  
the Group

•  Key assumptions, estimates and 

judgements proposed by management

Review and discussion of:

Consideration of internal audit:

•  Risk management systems and 

internal controls, including a discussion 
of the risk management process

•  Minutes of previous meetings
•  Reports on implementation of actions 

from previous meetings

• 

Internal audit reports and 
recommendations

s
g
n
i
t
e
e
m
c
i
f
i
c
e
p
s
t
A

i

g
n
i
t
e
e
m
n
a
m
h
c
a
e
t
A

Significant Issues 
The Audit and Risk Committee pays specific attention to matters it considers important based on their potential impact on the Group’s 
results, or based on the level of complexity, judgement or estimation involved in their application. The Committee considered the following 
matters as significant issues in 2015:

Significant issue

How addressed

Impairment of property, plant and equipment
IAS 36 requires that a review for impairment be carried out if 
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying 
amount of an asset may not be recoverable. 

The recent volatility of oil prices in the global energy market may 
impact the value in use of the vessels.

Impairment assessments are judgmental and careful consideration 
of the assumptions used in the determination of the value in use of 
the assets is required.

Capitalisation of costs 
The Group has invested substantial capital in its vessel fleet, which  
is the key component of its business offering and its major asset.

As a part of its new build programme, the Group completed the 
build of three vessels during the year. The Group also undertook 
various capital projects aimed at enhancing the Group’s asset 
offering. Careful consideration had to be given as to which costs 
met the criteria for capitalisation.

Incremental costs as a result of the project were considered  
for capitalisation.

The Committee considered the assumptions used in the 
computation of the value in use of the vessels. Consideration 
was given to both the feasibility of the long-term business plan 
and the appropriateness of the weighted average cost of capital 
which formed an initial basis for determining the discount rate.

The Committee reviewed the basis of Management’s 
assumptions over the eligibility of the costs for capitalisation.

The Committee reviewed the costs that were capitalised to  
be satisfied that they met the recognition criteria as required  
under IFRS.

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Deloitte LLP was appointed as external auditor of the Company  
in 2014. The Committee is aware of the recent changes to the 
requirements for external auditor selection and rotation. Whilst we 
do not consider it necessary to have a policy for mandatory rotation 
of external audit firms, we plan to give consideration to placing 
future audits out to tender over the coming years. 

The Committee believes that it may be appropriate for the Company 
to engage its external auditor to provide non-audit services in 
limited circumstances. Given the knowledge of a company’s market, 
systems and operations which an external auditing firm gains 
through the audit process, together with effective working 
relationships developed with senior management, the Committee 
believes that on occasion appointing the Company’s external auditor 
to provide non-audit services can represent an effective and 
cost-efficient process which is in the best interests of shareholders. 
However, to ensure the continued objectivity and independence of 
the external auditor are not compromised, the Committee has 
established a non-audit services policy. 

The Committee requires specific approval for the provision of any 
non-audit services above the value of US$ 50,000 and, in the unlikely 
event that the non-audit services have resulted in a cumulative total 
of 70% or more of the overall Group audit fee in any financial year, 
then any further non-audit services carried out by the external 
auditor would be regarded as exceptional and will require the 
Committee’s prior approval. The Committee receives quarterly 
reports of any non-audit services undertaken. The Committee must 
be satisfied that the external auditor’s objectivity and independence 
would not be compromised in any way as a result of being instructed 
to carry out those services.

The total non-audit services provided by the Group’s external 
auditor Deloitte LLP for the year ended 31 December 2015 were  
US$ 105,000 (2014: US$ 921,000) which comprised 29% (2014: 79%) 
of total audit and non-audit fees. The prior year non-audit fees 
included work undertaken as reporting accountant as part of the 
Group’s IPO. The Committee is satisfied that the quantum and 
nature of the non-audit services provided by Deloitte LLP during  
the current year are such that the objectivity and independence  
of the external auditor have not been compromised.

As part of the Committee’s assessment of the objectivity and 
independence of the external auditor, the Committee held 2 private 
meetings with the external auditor without management being 
present. In addition, I met privately with the external audit 
Engagement Partner on several occasions.

The effectiveness of the external auditor was evaluated by  
feedback from the senior management team and the Committee  
by way of a questionnaire. We examined a range of performance 
criteria including, but not limited to, robustness of the audit process, 
independence and objectivity, quality of delivery, quality of people 
and service, and value-added advice. We also considered the 2014 
Audit Quality Inspections Report on Deloitte LLP audits carried out 
by the Financial Reporting Council. As a result of this work, the 
Committee has recommended to the Board that the reappointment 
of Deloitte LLP as the Company’s external auditor be proposed to 
shareholders at the 2016 AGM.

UK Corporate Governance Code 
The Group’s reporting for 2015 is in compliance with the latest 
updates of the UK Code, effective for premium listed companies  
with accounting periods beginning on or after 1 October 2014.

Modern Slavery Act 2015
The Group has initiated a working panel made up predominantly  
of members of senior management. The working panel has been 
formed to ensure the Group adheres to and is compliant with the 
requirements set out in the Modern Slavery Act 2015. The Group  
will be reporting in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015  
in the 2016 Annual Report. 

Internal Controls and Risk Management 
The Group’s systems of internal control and in particular our risk 
management process have been designed to support our strategic 
and business objectives as well as our internal control over financial 
reporting. The Board has established an ongoing process for 
identifying, evaluating and managing the significant risks faced  
by the Group that have been in place for the period under review 
and up to the date of the Annual Report. The process is regularly 
reviewed by the Board and is in accordance with the Turnbull Review 
guidance on internal controls and requirements of the UK Code. 

Any system of internal control is designed to manage rather than 
eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business objectives and can 
only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against 
material misstatement or loss. 

The Group has a clear framework for identifying and managing risk, 
both at an operational and strategic level. Our risk identification  
and mitigation processes have been designed to be responsive to 
the constantly changing environment. The internal control process 
starts with identifying risks, compliance matters and other issues 
through routine reviews carried out by process owners and 
facilitated by regular Group wide risk assessments. For risks that 
are recorded in the Group risk register, the Group then assesses  
the implications and consequences and determines the likelihood  
of occurrence. Further details of the Group’s risk management 
process can be found on pages 20 to 23. 

Internal Audit
At the majority of meetings the Committee receives a report on 
internal controls. These reports provide an update on progress 
against the internal audit plan, including the status of actions  
and management responses, key improvement themes and 
recommended areas of business focus. The internal audit function  
is largely outsourced to KPMG.

In addition to the internal audit plan, the Group is regularly audited 
by certain clients, with key findings reported to the Audit and Risk 
Committee who assess these findings and ensure that appropriate 
action is taken by Management as deemed necessary.

External Audit
Appointment and Independence of External Auditors
The Committee has overall responsibility for ensuring that the 
external auditors’ independence and objectivity is not compromised. 

The Committee considers formally the reappointment of the 
external auditor each year, as well as assessing their independence 
on an ongoing basis. In accordance with UK regulations and to help 
ensure independence, our auditors adhere to a rotation policy based 
on Auditing Practices Board standards that require the Group audit 
partner to rotate every five years. This is the third year, taking into 
consideration work performed as reporting accountant for the 2014 
IPO, that the current lead audit partner has been involved in the 
audit of the Group.

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The Company operates an Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy and is 
satisfied that appropriate policies and training is in place to deal with 
any instances of whistleblowing and to ensure that appropriate 
follow up action is taken on a timely basis. 

On behalf of the Audit and Risk Committee

Simon Batey
Audit and Risk Committee Chairman
21 March 2016 

Ethical Conduct
Our Code of Conduct encourages all employees to report any 
potential improprieties in financial reporting or other matters.  
The Group operates a confidential whistleblowing hotline and all 
reports received are communicated to this Committee. Where 
appropriate, our internal audit team or other third party specialist 
may be asked to investigate issues and report to us on the outcome. 
Code of Conduct training is included as part of the Company 
induction process for all new employees who join the Group. 

During the year we uncovered evidence of collusion between  
two employees suspected of behaving unethically. Reports of  
this unethical behaviour were received through the Group’s 
whistleblowing hotline and a robust external investigation was then 
conducted with both employees subsequently being terminated. 
The financial impact of this behaviour is not material. Management 
take any reports received through the whistleblowing hotline 
seriously and the External Auditors were notified at the time this 
unethical behaviour was uncovered. Management have taken steps 
to help prevent such activities occurring in the future. 

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GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015REPORT OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

Committee members

Chairman:
W. Richard Anderson

Independent non-executive Director:
Mike Straughen

Senior Independent non-executive 
Director: Simon Batey

Dear Shareholders,

On behalf of the Remuneration Committee I am pleased to present the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year ended 31 December 2015. Our 
remuneration arrangements have been designed in accordance with the principles set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code and current 
market and best practices for UK listed companies. They also take into account market practice and labour laws in the local UAE market. 

The composition of the Remuneration Committee is in compliance with the UK Code which provides that all members of the Committee 
should be independent non-executive Directors. 

The Remuneration Committee’s responsibilities include:

•  setting the strategy, structure and levels of remuneration of our executive directors and senior management;
•  ensuring compliance with internal policies whilst also adhering to legislative regulations; and
•  aligning the financial interests of the executive directors and other management and employees with the achievement of the Group’s objectives. 

Our aim is to ensure that remuneration arrangements appropriately and responsibly incentivise executive directors and senior management 
to achieve the Group’s strategic objectives, in turn creating value for the Company’s shareholders. To this end, the overall remuneration 
structure for executives comprise:

•  base salary, benefits and allowances – set at a level appropriate to the sector and geographic markets in which we operate;
•  an annual bonus – based on measures of annual financial and strategic performance; and
•  a share-based Long Term Incentive Plan – normally based on growth in a financial measure such as EPS and total shareholder return.

Further details of this structure are set out on the following pages.

The work of the Committee in 2015 was conducted against a backdrop of a difficult oil price environment in which the Company fulfilled its 
key operational and strategic objectives. In setting targets for the 2016 annual bonus, the Committee has been mindful of the continued 
challenging market conditions seen in the industry.

For the 2015 annual bonus, profit after tax performance was below the threshold required for a payment under this part of the annual 
bonus. However EBITDA margin, Total Recordable Injury Rate and progress against strategic, financial and operational objectives were 
within the target range and as such the bonus payable to the CEO was 57.5% of salary – for more details, see page 56. The weighting of 
performance conditions under the LTIP scheme has been adjusted such that relative total shareholder return is now weighted 50% rather 
than the previous 25%. The intention is that this weighting will continue for the foreseeable future. 

The Remuneration Committee believes that the current approved policy, which received over 99% support from investors, is aligned  
with both our shareholders and the Company’s strategy; therefore, there are no proposed changes in our Directors’ Remuneration  
Policy for 2016. However, we will continue to review our policy and targets for future variable pay awards so that we remain confident that 
remuneration policy reflects the Company’s strategic objectives. Although the policy is not subject to a shareholder vote in 2016 as it was 
approved by a shareholder vote at the 2015 AGM, it has been included in full on pages 50 to 55, for ease of reference alongside the Annual 
Remuneration Report. 

The Annual Remuneration Report will be subject to an advisory shareholder vote at the 2016 AGM; at the 2015 AGM the 2014 Remuneration 
Report was supported by over 99% of investors. The Committee is dedicated to ensuring that our shareholders understand and support 
our policy and therefore we welcome questions and feedback regarding our remuneration structures. 

On behalf of the Remuneration Committee 

W. Richard Anderson
Remuneration Committee Chairman 
21 March 2016

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REPORT OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE continued

Directors’ Remuneration Policy Report
This part of the report, which is not subject to audit, sets out the remuneration policy for the Company and has been prepared in 
accordance with the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013. The policy 
has been developed taking into account the principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code and the views of our major shareholders. The 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy was approved at the Company’s Annual General Meeting held in 2015. No changes have been made to the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy in 2016, other than an update to the remuneration scenario charts to reflect the latest fixed remuneration 
arrangements. The Directors’ Remuneration Policy has been included below for ease of reference. 

Policy overview
The Committee assists the Board in its responsibilities in relation to remuneration, including making recommendations to the Board on the 
Company’s policy on executive remuneration.

The Company’s policy is to provide remuneration to executives to reflect their contribution to the business, the performance of the Group, 
the complexity and geography of the Group’s operations and the need to attract, retain, and incentivise executives. The Committee seeks  
to provide remuneration packages that are simple, transparent and aligned with UK best and local UAE market practice, whilst providing  
an appropriate balance between fixed and variable pay that supports the delivery of the Group’s strategy.

Summary of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy
The following table sets out the Directors’ Remuneration Policy.

Element of pay

Purpose and  
link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance criteria

Base salary

•  To attract, retain and 

•  Normally reviewed annually 

•  There is no prescribed 

N/A

motivate individuals of  
the necessary calibre  
to execute the Group’s 
strategy

by the Committee or, if 
appropriate, in the event of 
a change in an individual’s 
position or responsibilities

•  The level of base salary 

reflects the experience and 
capabilities of the individual 
as well as the scope and 
scale of the role

•  Any increases to base  

pay will take into account 
individual performance  
as well as the pay and 
conditions in the workforce

maximum annual 
increase

•  When determining the 
level of any change  
in compensation, the 
Committee takes  
into account:
 – Remuneration levels 

in comparable 
organisations in the 
UAE and the GCC
 – Remuneration levels 
in the international 
market

 – Increases for the 

workforce generally

 – Changes to an 

individual’s role, 
including any 
additional 
responsibilities

Annual bonus 
plan

•  To encourage and 
reward delivery of  
the Group’s annual 
financial and 
operational objectives

•  Performance measures  

•  Normal maximum 

opportunity of 100% of 
salary (exceptional limit 
150% of salary)

and targets are reviewed 
annually by the Committee 
and are linked to the Group’s 
key strategic and financial 
objectives

•  The bonus will normally  
be paid wholly in cash; 
however the Committee has 
the discretion to defer a 
proportion of the bonus  
in GMS shares or cash
•  Clawback (or malus in the 
event of any deferral) 
provisions apply in the event 
of a material misstatement 
of the Group’s financial 
results or an error in the 
calculation of performance 
targets. Clawback and/or 
malus can be applied for 
three years from the end  
of the financial year to  
which a payment relates

•  The majority of the 
annual bonus will be 
based on Group financial 
performance

•  The Committee has 

discretion to vary bonus 
payments downwards or 
upwards if it considers 
the outcome would not 
otherwise be a fair and 
complete reflection of 
the performance 
achieved by the Group 
and/or the Executive 
Director. Performance 
below threshold results 
in zero payment. 
Payments increase from 
0% to 100% of the 
maximum opportunity 
for levels of performance 
between threshold and 
maximum performance 
targets

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GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015Element of pay

Long Term 
Incentive Plan 
(LTIP)

Purpose and  
link to strategy

•  To incentivise  

and reward the 
achievement of key 
financial performance 
objectives and the 
creation of long-term 
shareholder value
•  To encourage share 

ownership and provide 
further alignment with 
shareholders

End of service 
gratuity

Benefits

•  To provide an end  
of service gratuity,  
as required under the 
UAE Labour Law

•  To provide competitive 
and cost-effective 
benefits to attract  
and retain high-calibre 
individuals

Allowances

•  Allowances set to cover 
essential living costs 
where this is in line with 
local market practice

Share ownership 
guidelines 

•  To encourage 
alignment with 
shareholders 

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance criteria

•  Annual awards of nil-cost 
options or conditional 
shares with the level of 
vesting subject to the 
achievement of stretching 
performance conditions 
measured over a  
three-year period

•  Performance targets are 
reviewed annually by the 
Committee and are set at 
such a level to motivate 
management and incentivise 
out-performance

•  Dividends that accrue during 
the vesting period may be 
paid in cash or shares at the 
time of vesting, to the extent 
that shares vest

•  Clawback provisions apply  
in the event of a material 
misstatement of the 
Company’s financial results 
or an error in the calculation 
of performance targets. 
Clawback can be applied for 
three years from the end of 
the financial year in which 
an award vests

•  End of service gratuity 

contributions are accrued  
by the Company

•  Normal maximum 

opportunity of 200% of 
base salary (exceptional 
limit of 300% of  
base salary)

•  Performance is assessed 
against metrics which  
will normally include a 
financial measure, such 
as EPS, and/or a measure 
linked to the Company’s 
total shareholder  
return against an 
appropriate group of 
peers. Measures are 
captured independently
•  30% of an award will vest 
for achieving threshold 
performance, increasing 
pro-rata to full vesting 
for achievement of 
maximum performance 
targets

N/A

•  The maximum payout 
to an employee is 
limited by UAE Labour 
Law to two years’ base 
salary

•  Private medical insurance 

•  Actual value of benefits 

N/A

provided

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

for the executive and close 
family, death in service 
insurance, disability 
insurance, accommodation 
and payment of children’s 
school fees

•  Any increases to allowances 
will take into account local 
market conditions as well  
as the allowances provided 
to the workforce

•  Allowances relating to  
air travel and transport

•  Executive Directors are 
required to build and 
maintain a shareholding 
equivalent to at least 100% 
of base salary through the 
retention of vested share 
awards or through open 
market purchases

•  A new appointment will  

be expected to reach this 
guideline in three to five 
years post-appointment
•  Executive Directors are 
required to retain 50%  
of the shares (net of tax) 
vesting under the incentive 
schemes until the guideline 
has been achieved

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Notes to table
Annual bonus performance measures
The annual bonus reflects key financial performance indicators linked to the Group’s strategic goals. Financial targets are set at the start  
of the financial year with reference to internal budgets and taking account of market expectations. The balance is based on how well the 
individual performed against a range of stretching objectives relating to key strategic and operational objectives.

LTIP performance measures
The LTIP performance measures (which are currently EPS growth and TSR relative to companies in the FTSE 250 Index excluding financial 
services companies) reward long-term financial growth and significant long-term returns to shareholders. Targets are set on sliding scales 
that take account of internal strategic planning and external market expectations for the Group. Only modest rewards are available for 
achieving threshold performance with maximum rewards requiring substantial out-performance of challenging strategic plans approved  
at the start of each year. 

Discretion
The Committee operates annual bonus and long term incentive arrangements for the Executive Director(s) in accordance with their 
respective rules, the Listing Rules and the HMRC rules where relevant. The Committee, consistent with market practice, retains discretion 
over a number of areas relating to the operation and administration of the plans. These include the following: 

•  Who participates;
•  The timing of the grant of award and/or payment;
•  The size of an award (up to plan limits) and/or a payment;
•  The annual review of performance measures, targets and weightings for the annual bonus plan and LTIP from year to year;
•  Discretion relating to the measurement of performance in the event of a change of control or restructuring;
•  Determination of a good leaver (in addition to any specified categories) for incentive plan purposes;
•  Adjustments required in certain circumstances (e.g. rights issues, corporate restructuring and special dividends); and
•  The ability to adjust existing performance conditions for exceptional events so that they can still fulfil their original purpose.

Awards granted prior to approval of policy
For the avoidance of doubt, in approving this Directors’ Remuneration Policy, authority is given to the Company to honour any commitments 
entered into with current or former Directors (such as the vesting or exercise of past share awards granted pre- or post-IPO but before the 
AGM at which this policy is approved by shareholders). 

How remuneration of Executive Directors differs from employees generally, and how their views are taken 
into account in setting remuneration policy 
When considering the structure and levels of Executive Director remuneration, the Committee reviews base salary and annual bonus 
arrangements for the management team, to ensure that there is a coherent approach across the Group. The annual bonus plan operates on 
a similar basis across the senior management team. The key difference in the Executive Director Policy is that remuneration is more heavily 
weighted towards variable pay than that of other employees. This ensures that there is a clear link between the value created for 
shareholders and the remuneration received by the executive director(s). 

The Committee does not formally consult with employees in respect of the design of the Executive Director Remuneration Policy, however 
the Human Resources Director is available to discuss issues relating to the wider employee population.

Consideration of shareholder views
The Company is committed to maintaining good communications with investors. The Committee considers the AGM to be an opportunity  
to meet and communicate with investors, giving shareholders the opportunity to raise any issues or concerns they may have. In addition, 
the Committee will seek to engage directly with major shareholders and their representative bodies should any changes be planned to  
the Directors’ Remuneration Policy or if the Committee wishes to make material changes to how Policy will be implemented. 

Following the Company’s AGM in 2016, details of votes cast for and against the resolution to approve the Annual Report on Remuneration 
will be included in the next Annual Report on Remuneration published following the AGM.

The Company is required to prepare, and seek shareholder approval for an updated Directors’ Remuneration Policy at least once every 
three years.

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GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015Directors’ recruitment and promotions 
The policy on the recruitment or promotion of an Executive Director takes into account the need to attract, retain and motivate the  
best person for each position, while at the same time ensuring a close alignment between the interests of shareholders and management, 
as follows:

Base salary

The base salary for a new appointment will be set taking into account the skills and experience of the 
individual, internal relativities and the market rate for the role as identified by any relevant benchmarking  
of companies of a comparable size and complexity. 

If it is considered appropriate to set the salary for a new Executive Director at a level which is below market 
(for example, to allow them to gain experience in the role) their salary may be increased to achieve the 
desired market positioning by way of a series of phased above inflation increases. Any increases will be 
subject to the individual’s continued development in the role.

End of service gratuity,  
benefits and allowances

End of service gratuity, benefits and allowances will be set in line with the policy above, reflective of typical 
market practice and the Labour Law for the UAE. The Committee may also approve the payment of one-off 
relocation-related expenses and legal fees incurred by the individual.

Annual bonus and LTIP

Remuneration foregone

Internal appointments

In the event of an Executive Director being recruited to work outside the UAE, additional benefits, pension 
provision and/or allowances may be provided in line with local market practice.

The Company’s incentive plans will be operated, as set out in the policy table above, albeit with any payment 
pro-rata for the period of employment and with the flexibility to use different performance measures and 
targets, depending on the timing and nature of the appointment.

The Committee may offer cash and/or share-based elements to compensate an individual for remuneration 
and benefits that would be forfeited on leaving a former employer, when it considers these to be in the best 
interests of the Group (and therefore shareholders). 

Such payments would take account of remuneration relinquished and would mirror (as far as possible) the 
delivery mechanism, time horizons and performance requirement attached to that remuneration.

Where possible this will be facilitated through existing share plans as set out in the policy table above, but if 
not the Committee may use the provisions of 9.4.2 of the Listing Rules.

In the case of an internal appointment, any variable pay element awarded in respect of the prior role will be 
allowed to pay out according to its original terms stipulated on grant or adjusted as considered desirable to 
reflect the new role.

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Directors’ service agreements and payments for loss of office 
The Committee seeks to ensure that contractual terms of the Executive Director’s service agreement reflect best practice. 

Notice period

The CEO’s service agreement is terminable by either the Company or the Director on twelve months’ notice. 
In circumstances of termination on notice the Committee will determine an equitable compensation package, 
having regard to the particular circumstances of the case. The Committee has discretion to require notice to 
be worked, to make payment in lieu of notice or to place the Director on gardening leave. 

The Company may terminate the appointment summarily with immediate effect if the Director is guilty of 
gross misconduct in accordance with relevant provisions of the UAE labour law.

Payment in lieu of notice

In case of payment in lieu, base salary, allowances, benefits and end of service gratuity will be paid for the 
period of notice served or paid in lieu. 

Annual bonus

LTIP

Other payments

Change of control

If the Committee believes it would be in shareholders’ interests, payments would be made either as one 
lump sum or in equal monthly instalments and in the case of payment in lieu will be subject to be offset 
against earnings elsewhere.

An annual bonus may be payable in respect of the period of the bonus plan year worked by the  
Director; there is no provision for an amount in lieu of bonus to be payable for any part of the notice  
period not worked. 

Outstanding share awards under the LTIP are subject to the rules which contain discretionary provisions 
setting out the treatment of awards where a participant leaves for designated reasons (i.e. participants  
who leave early on account of injury, disability or ill health, death, a sale of their employer or business in 
which they were employed, statutory redundancy, retirement or any other reason at the discretion of  
the Committee). 

In these circumstances a participant’s awards will not be forfeited on cessation of employment and instead 
will continue to vest on the normal vesting date or earlier at the discretion of the Committee, subject to the 
performance conditions attached to the relevant awards. The awards will, other than in exceptional 
circumstances, be scaled back pro-rata for the period of the incentive term worked by the Director.

In addition to the above payments, the Committee may make any other payments determined by a court  
of law in respect of the termination of a Director’s contract. 

In the event of a change of control all unvested awards under the LTIP would vest, to the extent that any 
performance conditions attached to the relevant awards have been achieved. 

The date of the CEO’s Executive Service Agreement is 12 March 2014. The service contract is available for inspection during normal business 
hours at the Company’s registered office, and available for inspection at the AGM. 

External appointments
The Committee recognises that Executive Directors may be invited to become non-executive Directors in other companies and that these 
appointments can enhance their knowledge and experience to the benefit of the Group. It is policy that Board approval is required before 
any external appointment may be accepted by an Executive Director. An Executive Director is permitted to retain any fees paid for such 
services. The current Executive Director does not hold any such external appointments.

Non-executive Directors’ Remuneration Policy and terms of engagement
The following table sets out the components of the non-executive Directors’ remuneration package.

Purpose and  
link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance 
criteria

•  Set to attract, retain  

•  Reviewed periodically by 

•  There is no prescribed 

N/A

Element of pay

Non-executive  
Directors’ fee

and motivate talented 
individuals through  
the provision of market 
competitive fees

the Board or, if appropriate, 
in the event of a change  
in an individual’s position  
or responsibilities

•  Fee levels set by reference 
to market rates, taking into 
account the individual’s 
experience, responsibility 
and time commitments

•  Travel to the Company’s 
registered office may  
in some jurisdictions  
be recognised as a  
taxable benefit

Non-executive  
Directors’ benefits

•  Travel to the 
Company’s  
registered office

5454

maximum annual increase

•  The Board takes into 

account external market 
practice, pay increases 
within the Group, wider 
economic factors and any 
changes in responsibilities 
when determining fee 
increases

•  Costs of travel, grossed-up 

N/A

where taxable

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015Non-executive Directors are appointed by letter of appointment for an initial period of three years, which are terminable by three months’ 
notice on either side. However, it is the Company’s intention to comply with provision B.7.1 of the UK Corporate Governance Code and 
accordingly all Directors will stand for annual re-election by shareholders at future AGMs until the Board determines otherwise. The dates  
of the letters of appointment of the Chairman and non-executive Directors are:

Simon Heale

H. Richard Dallas

Dr Karim El Solh

Simon Batey

Mike Straughen

Chairman

Non-executive Director

Non-executive Director

Independent non-executive Director

Independent non-executive Director

W. Richard Anderson

Independent non-executive Director

27 February 2014

27 February 2014

27 February 2014

27 February 2014

27 February 2014

27 February 2014

The letters of appointment are available for inspection during normal business hours at the Company’s registered office. For the 
appointment of a new Chairman or non-executive Director, the fee arrangement would be set in accordance with the approved remuneration 
policy in force at that time.

Annual Report on Remuneration 
This part of the report has been prepared in accordance with Part 4 of the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and 
Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 and 9.8.6R of the Listing Rules. The Annual Report on Remuneration will be put to an advisory 
shareholder vote at the 2016 AGM. Sections of this report that are subject to audit, on pages 57 to 59 have been indicated.

Responsibilities of the Committee
The Remuneration Committee will assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities regarding all matters related to remuneration, including 
making recommendations to the Board on the Company’s policy on executive remuneration. In reviewing executive remuneration, the 
Committee may set the over-arching principles, parameters and governance framework of the Group’s Remuneration Policy and determine 
the individual remuneration and benefits package of the Executive Director(s) and the Company Secretary. In addition, the Committee 
monitors the structure and level of remuneration for the senior management team and is aware of pay and conditions in the workforce 
generally. The Committee also ensures full compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code in relation to remuneration.

Members and activities of the Committee
The members of the Committee during 2015 were W. Richard Anderson (Chairman), Simon Batey and Mike Straughen. All members were 
Independent non-executive Directors. The Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Human Resources Director are normally invited 
to attend for at least part of each meeting to allow the Committee to benefit from their contextual advice. The Group Chairman also normally 
attends meetings by invitation. The Company Secretary acts as Secretary to the Committee. These individuals are not present when their 
own remuneration is discussed. 

The number of formal meetings held and the attendance by each member is shown in the table below. The Committee also held informal 
discussions as required. 

Number of meetings attended out of a potential maximum

W. Richard Anderson

Simon Batey

Mike Straughen

3 out of 3

3 out of 3

3 out of 3

External advice received
During the year, the Committee received independent advice on remuneration matters from Mercer Limited (“Mercer”). Mercer is a member 
of the Remuneration Consultants Group and adheres to the Voluntary Code of Conduct in relation to executive remuneration consulting  
in the UK. The fees paid to Mercer for advice in 2015 were US$ 41,680. Mercer also provided support to the Company in respect of the 
remuneration of the wider employee population. Mercer is a division of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (“MMC”). Another division of MMC 
provides broker services with regard to the Group medical insurance. However, notwithstanding this relationship, the Committee is satisfied 
that Mercer’s advice to the Committee is objective and independent, as they are two distinct autonomous business divisions within MMC.

Shareholder voting at AGM
The 2015 Annual Report on Remuneration will be subject to an advisory shareholder vote at the 2016 AGM. At the AGM held in 2015, votes 
cast by proxy and at the meeting in respect of the Directors’ remuneration were as follows:

Resolution

Votes for

% of votes 
for

Votes 
against

% of votes 
against

Votes 
withheld 

Total votes 
cast

To approve the Directors’ Remuneration Policy

262,212,314

To approve the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report for the year ended 31 December 2014

262,258,736

99.24

99.25

2,021,422

1,975,000

0.76

0.75

213,680

264,447,416

213,680

264,447,416

5555

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Statement of implementation of the Remuneration Policy for 2016
The Remuneration Policy adopted at the AGM held in 2015 will continue to be implemented during 2016 as follows:

Base salary
The CEO’s base salary was reviewed on listing and also at the end of 2015 to determine the appropriate salary for the coming year. The 
CEO’s base salary was augmented to reward strong performance and to ensure the remuneration package remains competitive in line with 
current market levels. As a point of comparison, increases to salary levels for the workforce generally ranged from 0% to 15% during 2015, 
averaging 3%. Accordingly, base salary for 2016 will be as follows: 

Duncan Anderson1

Base salary 
 from 1 January 
2016  
US$’000

Base salary  
from 1 January 
2015  
US$’000

% increase

462

440

5%

1.  Duncan Anderson’s remuneration is paid in UAE Dirhams and reported in US$ using an exchange rate of US$ 1/AED 3.67.

Allowances and benefits for 2016
The cash allowances for 2016 comprise payments to cover costs of air travel and transport and for 2016 will be as follows: 

Duncan Anderson1

Allowances from 
1 January 2016  
US$’000

Allowances from  
1 January 2015  
US$’000

% increase

39

37

5%

1.  Duncan Anderson’s remuneration is paid in UAE Dirhams and reported in US$ using an exchange rate of US$ 1/AED 3.67.

Other benefits to be provided directly include accommodation, private medical insurance for the executive and close family, death in service 
insurance, disability insurance and payment of children’s school fees.

Annual bonus for 2016 
For 2016 the annual bonus opportunity will be 100% of base salary. The annual bonus will be assessed against financial and personal 
objectives to provide a rounded assessment of the Group and individual’s performance, weighted as follows:

Measure

Profit after tax

EBITDA margin

Total Reportable Incident Rate (TRIR)

Strategic, financial and operational objectives

Total

Weighting

25%

25%

10%

40%

100%

The Committee considers the targets to be commercially sensitive, but will provide details of performance against the financial targets 
retrospectively in next year’s Annual Report on Remuneration.

The bonus will be paid wholly in cash. Clawback provisions apply in the event of a material misstatement of the Group’s financial results  
or an error in the calculation of performance targets. Clawback can be applied for three years from the end of the financial year to which  
a payment relates.

Long term incentive plan to be granted in 2016
The Committee intends to grant an LTIP award to the CEO in 2016 over shares with a value of 150% of base salary. The award will vest three 
years after grant, subject to performance measured over three financial years commencing with the year of grant. Vesting of 50% of the 
award will be based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of EPS and the other 50% will be determined by TSR relative to the FTSE 
250 Index excluding financial services companies. It was decided to increase the percentage vesting based on relative TSR due to the 
inherent difficulties in setting EPS targets in the current volatile market conditions. The intention is that this weighting will continue for the 
foreseeable future.

EPS and relative TSR are considered to be the most appropriate measures of long-term performance, as they incentivise and reward for 
improvement in the long-term financial performance of the Group, together with the creation of value for shareholders. The Committee 
reviewed the range of EPS growth for the LTIP to be awarded in 2016. In the context of the impact of the world oil prices, it set a range that  
is lower than that set for the last cycle, but which remains considerably stretching and well above the ranges seen in the majority of  
listed companies.

Clawback provisions apply in the event of a material misstatement of the Group’s financial results or an error in the calculation of 
performance targets. Clawback can be applied for three years from the end of the financial year in which an award vests.

Performance condition

Threshold target (30% vesting)

Stretch target (100% vesting)

EPS CAGR

Relative TSR

15% per annum

Median of index

21.5% per annum

Upper quartile of index

5656

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015 
End of service gratuity 
As required under the UAE Labour Law, the Company accrues for the end of service gratuity entitlement in respect of the CEO, whereby the 
gratuity is 21 days’ base salary (excluding fixed cash allowances) for each year of the first five years of employment and 30 days’ wages for 
each additional year of employment thereafter, up to a limit of two years’ total wages.

Fees for the Chairman and non-executive Directors
The Chairman and non-executive Directors’ remuneration is determined by the Board, based on the responsibility and time committed to 
the Group’s affairs and appropriate market comparisons. Individual non-executive Directors do not take part in discussions regarding their 
own fees. The Chairman and non-executive Directors receive no other benefits and do not participate in short-term or long-term reward 
schemes. A summary of the current fees and those for 2016 are set out below; no increase in fee levels is proposed in 2016. Please note  
that fees are determined in Pound Sterling.

Chairman

Non-executive Director base fee

Additional fees:

Senior Independent Director

Audit and Risk Committee Chair

Remuneration Committee Chair

Annual Fee 
2016  
£’000

Annual Fee 
2015  
£’000

% increase

175

50

5

5

5

175

50

5

5

5

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

Directors’ remuneration earned in 2015 (audited)
The table below summarises Directors’ remuneration received in 2015. 

Fixed element of pay
Allowances 
and 
benefits1 
US$’000

Base salary 
US$’000

End of 
service 
gratuity2 
US$’000

Pay for performance

Annual 
Bonus5 
US$’000

Long Term 
Incentives6 
US$’000*

Other3 
US$’000

Total 
Remuneration 
US$’000

Executive Director 
Duncan Anderson4,7

2015

2014

440

415

167

182

51

53

253

353

–

–

–

–

911

1,003

Chairman8

Simon Heale9,11

Non-executive Directors8

H. Richard Dallas10

Dr Karim El Solh10

Simon Batey10,12

Mike Straughen10,12

W. Richard Anderson10,12

Non-executive Director total

Fees 
2015  
US$’000

Fees 
2014  
US$’000

268

77

77

92

77

84

675

292

76

76

92

76

84

696

Total  
Remuneration 
2015  
US$’000

Total  
Remuneration 
2014  
US$’000

268

77

77

92

77

84

675

292

76

76

92

76

84

696

1.  Allowances include fixed cash allowances for air travel and transport. Other benefits include accommodation (US$ 82,947), private medical insurance for the executive and 

immediate family, death in service insurance, disability insurance and payment of children’s school fees. 

2.  End of service gratuity is the provision accrued for in the year in accordance with UAE Labour Law. 
3. 

In 2014, Duncan Anderson received a cash and equity award of US$ 11.8 million as settlement of a previous share appreciation rights scheme. This was funded by the shareholders 
in place prior to the IPO at no cost to the Company.

4.  Duncan Anderson’s remuneration is paid in UAE Dirhams and reported in US$ using an exchange rate of US$ 1/AED 3.67. 
5.   Annual bonus for the financial year. 
6.   Share plans vesting represent the value of LTIP awards where the performance period ends in the year.
7.  Duncan Anderson was appointed as a Director of the Company on 24 January 2014.
8.  The Chairman and non-executive Directors’ remuneration is paid in Pound Sterling and reported in US$ using an exchange rate of US$ 1.53/£ 1 during 2015. 
9.  Simon Heale was appointed as Chairman on 27 February 2014. 
10.  H. Richard Dallas, Dr Karim El Solh, Simon Batey, Mike Straughen and W. Richard Anderson were appointed as non-executive Directors on 27 February 2014. 
11.  Simon Heale received a pro-rata annual fee of £ 175,000 (per annum) from 1 January 2014 to the date of his appointment (27 February 2014) in consideration of advisory work 

performed prior to his formal appointment as Chairman.

12.  The Independent non-executive Directors received a pro-rata equivalent of their basic annual fee of £ 50,000 per annum for the period from 1 February 2014 to the date of their 

appointment (27 February 2014) in consideration of advisory work performed prior to their formal appointments as Independent non-executive Directors.

Christopher Foll was appointed as an Alternate Director on 27 February 2014; he receives no remuneration for this appointment.

5757

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTGULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015REPORT OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE continued

Annual bonus for 2015 (audited)
For 2015 the annual bonus opportunity was set at 100% of base salary. The annual bonus was assessed against the following financial and 
personal objectives:

Measure

Profit after tax

EBITDA margin

Total Recordable Injury Rate (TRIR)

Strategic, financial and operational objectives

Total

Performance range 
(from zero to 
maximum  
pay-out)

Weighting

Result

% of salary paid  
in cash

25% US$ 95m – US$ 105m

US$ 75.0m

25%

10%

40%

100%

61% – 65%

3.1 – 0

*

63%

0.18

*

0%

10%

10%

37.5%

57.5%

*  Objectives set related to key operational, financial and strategic objectives, with targets for each aligned with delivery of the Company’s annual corporate objectives and long-term 

financial plan. The details of these objectives are commercially sensitive, however in 2015 they included the delivery of certain new build SESVs on schedule and on budget, the winning 
of contracts for certain vessels and the implementation of an appropriate re-financing strategy for the Group. The large majority of these measures were fully achieved, which the 
Committee considers to be reflective of strong progress overall, and therefore this resulted in a payment of 37.5% out of a possible 40%.

The bonus will be paid wholly in cash. Clawback provisions apply in the event of a material misstatement of the Company’s financial results 
or an error in the calculation of performance targets. Clawback can be applied for three years from the end of the financial year to which a 
payment relates.

Share appreciation rights settlement (audited)
During the year 2014, the CEO’s vested share appreciation rights, from a previous share appreciation rights scheme, were settled as shown 
in the table below. No share appreciation rights were granted or vested in 2015. This has not been included within the table above as it 
pre-dates the appointment of Duncan Anderson as the CEO of the Company.

Settlement of vested SARs

Cash payout

Number of shares issued

2,614,622 shares (Market Value as on the grant date US$ 5,894,665)1

US$ 5,857,657

1.  Calculated as 2,614,622 shares at the IPO price of £ 1.35, converted at an exchange rate of £ 1:US$ 1.67. 

Long term incentive awards granted during the year and Directors’ interests in share plan awards (audited) 
The Committee granted an LTIP award to the CEO in May 2014 over shares with a value of 120% of base salary. Awards will vest, subject  
to the achievement of specific performance conditions and continued employment, in May 2017. In 2015 the Committee granted an LTIP 
award to the CEO in March 2015 over shares with a value of 150% of base salary. Awards will vest, subject to the achievement of specific 
performance conditions and continued employment, in March 2018. A summary of the LTIP awards granted is provided in the tables below. 
The LTIP awards do not include consideration for accrued dividends during the performance period. 

Date of grant

Number of 
shares

Face value

Face value as 
a percentage  
of salary

End of 
performance 
period

Performance 
conditions

Duncan Anderson1

8 May 2014

184,327

US$ 497,863

120%

Duncan Anderson2

25 March 2015

346,572

US$ 660,982

150%

31 December 
2016

31 December 
2017

See table 
below

See table 
below

1.  Award face value (and value as a percentage of salary) is calculated using the closing share price on 8 May 2014, being 161.75p per share and assumes all performance conditions 

are met in full. The number of shares has been calculated using an exchange rate of £ 1: US$ 1.67. The minimum award available is nil.

2.  Award face value (and value as a percentage of salary) is calculated using the closing share price on 24 March 2015, being 128p per share and assumes all performance conditions 

are met in full. The number of shares has been calculated using an exchange rate of £ 1: US$ 1.49. The minimum award available is nil.

The table below shows the performance conditions of the LTIP awards.

Performance condition

Weighting

Threshold target (30% vesting) Stretch target (100% vesting)

75%

25%

50%

50%

15% per annum

Median of index1

20% per annum

Median of index1

21.5% per annum

Upper quartile of index1

26.5% per annum

Upper quartile of index1

Duncan Anderson (8 May 2014)

EPS CAGR

Relative TSR

Duncan Anderson (25 March 2015)

EPS CAGR

Relative TSR

1.  FTSE 250 excluding financial services companies.

5858

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015Clawback provisions apply in the event of a material misstatement of the Group’s financial results or an error in the calculation of 
performance targets. Clawback can be applied for three years from the end of the financial year in which an award vests.

Awards outstanding under the Company’s LTIP comprise:

Grant date

8 May 2014

25 March 2015

Total awards outstanding

No. of 
shares 
01/01/15

184,327

–

–

346,572

Granted 
during 
the year

Vested 
during 
the year

Exercised 
during 
the year

Lapsed 
during 
the year

No. of 
shares 
31/12/15

End of 
performance 
period

Vesting date

–

–

–

–

–

–

184,327

346,572

530,899

31/12/16

31/12/17

08/05/17

25/03/18

Directors’ interests in ordinary shares (audited)
Through participation in performance-linked share-based plans, there is strong encouragement for executive Directors to build and 
maintain a significant shareholding in the business.

As set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, the Committee requires any executive Director to build and maintain a shareholding in the 
Company equivalent to 100% of base salary. Until this threshold is achieved they are required to retain no less than 50% of the net of tax 
value of any share award that vests. A new appointment will be expected to reach this guideline in three to five years post-appointment. The 
Chairman and non-executive Directors are encouraged to hold shares in the Company but are not subject to a formal shareholding guideline. 

The beneficial interests of the Directors and connected persons in the share capital of the Company at 31 December 2015 was as follows:

Duncan Anderson

Simon Heale

H. Richard Dallas

Dr Karim El Solh

Simon Batey

Mike Straughen

W. Richard Anderson

Beneficially 
 owned at  
31 December 
 2015 

Beneficially 
owned at
31 December 
2014

2,614,622

2,614,622

74,074

18,518

296,296

37,037

37,327

153,453

74,074

18,518

296,296

37,037

37,037

153,453

Shareholding 
requirement 
met?

Yes

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Outstanding 
LTIP awards

530,899

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.  There were no changes to the interests of the Directors in the ordinary shares of the Company in the period from 1 January 2016 to 10 March 2016. 
2.  Full details of the Directors’ shareholdings and share allocations are given in the Company’s Register of Directors’ Interests, which is open to inspection at the Company’s registered 

office during business hours. 

3.  There are no other share, share option schemes or outstanding share awards other than LTIP awards.
4.  2,614,622 restricted shares were awarded to Duncan Anderson at IPO in settlement of outstanding share appreciation rights. These shares are fully vested and are subject to a 

lock-in until the second anniversary of the IPO.

Directors’ pension entitlement (audited)
The Company does not operate a pension scheme and accordingly no element of remuneration is pensionable. 

Payments to former directors (audited)
No payments were made to past executive Directors during the year ended 31 December 2015.

Payments for loss of office (audited)
No payments were made in respect of loss of office during the year ended 31 December 2015.

Percentage change in remuneration levels 
The table below shows the variance in base salary, allowances and benefits, and annual bonus for the CEO in the 2015 financial year, 
compared to that for the average employees:

Chief Executive Officer

Base salary

Allowances and benefits 

Bonus

All employees

Base salary

Allowances and benefits 

Bonus

% change

6%

-8%

-28%

3%

5%

3%

5959

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTGULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015REPORT OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE continued

Relative importance of the spend on pay 
The table below shows overall expenditure on pay in the whole Group in 2014 and 2015 financial years, compared to returns to shareholders 
through dividends:

Overall expenditure on pay

Dividends proposed

2015  
US$’000

2014  
US$’000

40,668

8,489

32,879

8,131

% change

24%

4%

Total Shareholder Return 
This graph below shows the value, by 31 December 2015, of £ 100 invested in Gulf Marine Services PLC on 14 March 2014 (being the date that 
shares were first admitted to conditional trading) compared with the value of £ 100 invested in the FTSE 250 Index excluding financial 
services companies over the same period. 

)
d
e
s
a
b
e
R
(
n
r
u
t
e
R
r
e
d
o
h
e
r
a
h
S

l

l

a
t
o
T

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

Friday, 13 March 15

Wednesday, 31 December 15

Gulf Marine Services PLC
FTSE 250 Index excluding investment trusts

Source: Datastream (Thomson Reuters).

The total remuneration figures for the CEO during the 2015 financial year are shown in the table below. Consistent with the calculation 
methodology for the single figure for total remuneration, the total remuneration figure includes the total annual bonus award based on that 
year’s performance and the LTIP award based on the three-year performance period ending in the relevant year. The annual bonus payout 
and LTIP award vesting level as a percentage of the maximum opportunity are also shown for this year. 

Chief Executive Officer

Total Remuneration (US$’000)

Annual bonus %

LTIP vesting %

2015

Duncan 
Anderson

911

28%

– 

Year ending 31 December
2013

2014

Duncan 
Anderson

Duncan 
Anderson

1,003

35%

–

826

29%

–

2012

Duncan 
Anderson

437

46%

–

Approval of the Directors’ Remuneration Report
The Directors’ Remuneration Report, including the Annual Report on Remuneration, was approved by the Board on 21 March 2016 for 
presentation to shareholders at the AGM.

On behalf of the Remuneration Committee

W. Richard Anderson
Remuneration Committee Chairman
21 March 2016

6060

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015 
 
 
REPORT OF THE NOMINATION COMMITTEE

Committee members

Chairman:
Simon Heale

Senior independent non-executive 
Director: Simon Batey

Independent non-executive Directors:
W. Richard Anderson, Mike Straughen

Non-executive Director:
Dr Karim El Solh

Dear Shareholders,

I am pleased to present the Nomination Committee report for 2015. 
Our role is to assist the Board in the key areas of composition and 
succession planning for the Board and the senior management of 
the Group. Having an appropriate range of high calibre Directors  
on our Board is key to determining and maximising success in the 
Group’s strategic objectives. Establishing appropriate succession 
planning for the existing Board and senior management is essential 
to ensuring that this success can be sustained over the long term.

The composition of the Nomination Committee remains in compliance 
with the UK Code which provides that independent non-executive 
Directors should comprise the majority of the Committee. The 
Committee members during the year were as follows:

The Nomination Committee’s responsibilities include:

•  regularly reviewing the composition and structure of the Board 

and its Committees;

•  considering succession planning for Directors and other senior 
executives and in doing this considering diversity, experience, 
knowledge and skillsets; and
identifying and recommending suitable candidates to be 
appointed to the Board.

• 

Board and Committee Evaluation
The current Board of Directors was appointed in 2014 following a 
rigorous selection process which was externally facilitated prior to 
the Group’s admission to trading on the London Stock Exchange. 
Critical to the success of our Board and Committees in achieving their 
aims is the effectiveness with which they operate and accordingly, 
we take our evaluation very seriously. A Board evaluation process 
was conducted in 2015 by way of a questionnaire which was 
completed by each of the Directors. The Committee has assessed 
the results of the Board evaluation process. In light of the findings, 
we have concluded that the performance of each of the Directors 
standing for re-election continues to be effective and that these 
Directors demonstrate commitment to their roles, including 
commitment of time for Board and Committee meetings and any 
other duties. The Committee has also identified the future training 
requirements of the Board, as part the Board’s ongoing development 
programme. 

My performance as Chairman is evaluated by the other non-
executive Directors. The evaluation, led by the Senior Independent 
non-executive Director, is carried out at least annually and takes into 
account the views of the senior management team.

Re-election of Directors
In accordance with the recommendation for FTSE 350 companies 
set out in the Code, all of the Company’s Directors will stand for 
re-election at the 2016 Annual General Meeting (“AGM”). The 
biographical details of the current Directors can be found on pages 
40 to 41. 

The terms and conditions of appointment of non-executive 
Directors, which includes their expected time commitment,  
are available for inspection at the Company’s registered office.

Diversity
The Nomination Committee very much takes into account the 
benefits of diversity on the Board, including gender. Currently all 
members of the Board are male. The Board does however remain 
diverse in terms of the range of nationality and international 
experience of its members. The Directors’ diverse range of 
experience and expertise covers not only a wealth of experience  
of operating in the energy industry but also extensive technical, 
operational, financial, governance, legal and commercial expertise.

The Company aspires to diversify its Board further as part of its 
succession planning policy. In seeking to achieve this aspiration the 
Company will not appoint an individual to the Board unless they are 
considered the best candidate for the role, whether male or female.

The Corporate Social Responsibilty section on pages 32 to 35 
provides further information on the Group’s approach to diversity. 

Succession Planning
The Committee is aware of its responsibilities in relation to Board 
and senior management succession plans to ensure that unforeseen 
changes are managed effectively and efficiently, without disruption 
to the Group’s strategy or day-to-day operations. The Committee 
has developed a comprehensive succession planning process for 
senior management across the Group. It includes encouragement 
and facilitation of the development of each individual, including 
internal career progression opportunities as they arise.

The Board and Nomination Committee are satisfied that the 
individuals’ currently fulfilling key senior management positions  
in the organisation have the requisite depth and breadth of skills, 
knowledge and experience.

On behalf of the Nomination Committee

Simon Heale
Nomination Committee Chairman
21 March 2016

6161

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTGULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015DIRECTORS’ REPORT 

The Directors of Gulf Marine Services PLC present their Annual 
Report and audited financial statements of the Company and the 
Group for the year ended 31 December 2015. 

This Directors’ Report, prepared in accordance with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006, the UK Listing Authority’s 
Listing Rules, and Disclosure and Transparency Rules, contains 
certain statutory, regulatory and other information. 

Strategic Report 
Details of the Group’s strategy and business model during the year 
and the information that fulfils the requirements of the Strategic 
Report required by sections 414A to D of the UK Companies Act 
2006 can be found in the Strategic Report section on pages 8 to 23 
of this document, which forms part of this report by reference.

Corporate Governance
The Company’s Corporate Governance Statement is set out on 
pages 40 to 61 and forms part of this report by reference.

Directors
A list of the Directors who served during the period and their 
biographies can be found in the Corporate Governance Report  
on pages 40 to 41. 

Powers of Directors 
Our Directors’ powers are determined by UK legislation and our 
Articles of Association (the ‘Articles’), which are available on our 
website at www.gmsuae.com. The Articles may be amended by a 
special resolution of the members. The Directors may exercise all  
of the Company’s powers provided that the Articles or applicable 
legislation do not stipulate that any such powers must be exercised 
by the members (shareholders).

Appointment and replacement of Directors 
The rules about the appointment and replacement of Directors  
are contained in our Articles. They provide that Directors may be 
appointed by ordinary resolution of the members or by a resolution 
of the Directors. All our Directors must be approved by the Board 
before they stand for re-appointment by shareholders.

Directors wishing to continue to serve will seek re-election annually 
in accordance with provision B.7.1 of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code. Members may remove a Director by passing an ordinary 
resolution of which special notice has been given, in accordance  
with the Companies Act 2006. 

Amendments to the Articles of Association 
The Company may alter its Articles of Association by special 
resolution passed at a General Meeting of shareholders.

Indemnification of Directors 
The Company has provided indemnification for Directors in 
accordance with the Company’s Articles and the Companies Act 
2006. As far as is permitted by legislation, all Officers of the 

Company are indemnified out of the Company’s own funds against 
any liabilities and associated costs which they could incur in the 
course of their duties for the Company, other than any liability to  
the Company or an associated company.

Compensation for loss of office
The Company does not have agreements with any Director that 
would provide compensation for loss of office or employment 
resulting from a takeover, except that provisions of the Company’s 
share plans may cause options and awards granted under such 
plans to vest on a takeover.

Share capital and control 
Details of the Company’s issued share capital as at 31 December 
2015 can be found in note 14 to the consolidated financial 
statements, on page 90. The Company’s share capital comprises 
ordinary shares, which are listed on the London Stock Exchange. 

Ordinary shares 
Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends (when 
declared by the Board or approved by members), receive copies  
of the Company’s Annual Report, attend and speak at general 
meetings of the Company, appoint proxies and exercise  
voting rights.

There are no restrictions on the transfer, or limitations on the 
holding, of ordinary shares and no requirements to obtain approval 
prior to any transfers. No ordinary shares carry any special rights 
with regard to control of the company and there are no restrictions 
on voting rights. Major shareholders have the same voting rights per 
share as all other shareholders.

There are no known arrangements under which financial rights are 
held by a person other than the holder of the shares and no known 
agreements on restrictions on share transfers or on voting rights.

Shares acquired through our share schemes and plans rank equally 
with the other shares in issue and have no special rights. 

Authority to purchase the Company’s own shares
The Company did not acquire any of its own shares in the financial 
year to 31 December 2015 or in the period between the year end  
and the date of this report. 

The Company is due to have its 2016 AGM on 11 May 2016 and the 
Directors will be seeking approval from shareholders, to authorise 
the Company to purchase up to 10% of its existing ordinary share 
capital. This authority would expire at the Company’s 2017 AGM; 
however, it is intended that this authority be renewed each year.  
For more information on this resolution refer to the Notice of AGM 
and explanatory notes on pages 114 to 119. 

Substantial shareholders
The Directors are aware of the following substantial interests in the 
shares of the Company:

Significant direct/indirect interest

As at  
31 December 2015  
Number of shares

As at  
31 December 2015  
% Voting Rights

As at  
10 March 2016 
Number of shares

As at  
10 March 2016 % 
Voting Rights

Green Investment Commercial Investments

174,945,676

Aberforth Partners

Horizon Energy

Al Ain Capital

Schroder Investment Management

Ajeej Capital

Duet Group 

6262

24,438,775

21,136,703

21,136,703 

17,139,778

10,715,430

10,568,727

50.05

6.99

6.05

6.05

4.90

3.07

3.02

174,945,676

25,388,775

21,136,703

21,136,703 

16,275,619

10,715,430

10,213,745

50.05

7.26

6.05

6.05

4.66

3.07

2.92

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015Significant agreements 
As at 31 December 2015 the Company was party to the following 
significant agreements that take effect, alter or terminate, or have 
the potential to do so, on a change of control of the Company:

Operational Contracts 
The Group is party to a limited number of operational arrangements 
that have the potential to be terminated or altered on a change of 
control of the Company, but these are not considered to be 
individually significant to the business of the Group as a whole.

Relationship Agreement
The Relationship Agreement dated 14 March 2014 amongst Green 
Investment Commercial Investments LLC (GICI), Ocean Investments 
Trading LLC (Ocean), Horizon Energy LLC (Horizon), Al Ain Capital 
LLC (Al Ain) and the Company provides that it shall terminate on 
there ceasing to be a “Principal Shareholder” holding at least 10%  
of the issued share capital of the Company or shares carrying at 
least 10% of the aggregate voting rights in the Company from time 
to time. In this context a “Principal Shareholder” is any of (a) GICI and 
Ocean together, (b) Horizon and (c) Al Ain. 

The relevant Principal Shareholder shall be entitled to appoint one 
Director to the Board, and for so long as a Principal Shareholder 
Group holds 15% or more of the issued ordinary share capital of  
the Company, the relevant Principal Shareholder shall be entitled  
to appoint two Directors to the Board. The current appointees are  
H. Richard Dallas and Dr Karim El Solh. The Company has further 
agreed that, subject to the Gulf Capital Shareholders (comprising 
Green Investment Commercial Investments LLC, and Ocean 
Investments Trading LLC, both beneficially owned by GC Equity 
Partners Fund II, L.P.), having the requisite aggregate shareholding 
to appoint a Director as described above: (i) Christopher Foll shall be 
given notice of, be invited to, and have the right to attend meetings 
of the Board as an observer, but shall not be entitled to vote and (ii) 
H. Richard Dallas shall be given notice of, be invited to, and have the 
right to attend meetings of the Remuneration Committee as an 
observer, but shall not be entitled to vote.

The Relationship Agreement has not been amended since adoption 
and is in compliance with the Listing Rules. 

Initial Supplemental Purchase Undertaking
The Group refinanced its debt with a syndicate of banks coordinated 
by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC (ADCB) during the year,  
further details of the refinancing are provided in note 20 to the 
consolidated financial statements on pages 91 to 92. The initial 
supplemental purchase undertaking made on 29 November 2015 by 
Gulf Marine Middle East FZE (GMME), a member of the Group, to and 
for the benefit of ADCB provides that, in the event of a person or 
persons acting in concert acquiring control of the Company, ADCB 
shall be entitled to serve a notice on GMME exercising its option to 
sell to GMME assets currently leased by GMME from ADCB under 
related finance lease arrangements. If ADCB serves such a notice 
following a change of control of the Company, GMME is obliged to 
purchase the leased assets in their then current condition on an  
“as is where is” basis at a price determined by a detailed formula  
set out in the undertaking.

Share Incentive Schemes
All of the Company’s share-based employee incentive plans detailed 
in the Report of the Remuneration Committee on pages 49 to 60 
contain provisions relating to a change of control of the Company. 
Vesting of outstanding awards and options on a change of control 
would normally be at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee, 
who would take into account the satisfaction of any applicable 
performance conditions at that time and the expired duration of  
the relevant performance period.

Risk regarding the use of financial instruments
The Group’s financial risk management objectives and policies 
including the use of financial instruments are set out in note 35 to 
the consolidated financial statements on pages 98 to 99. 

Post balance sheet events
The following events occurred after the balance sheet date:
On 16 March 2016 the Group completed the transaction to purchase 
the leased vessel Pepper for US$ 51.0 million. The transaction was 
financed by available cash and a drawdown from the Group’s 
working capital facility of US$ 25.0 million.

Likely future developments 
Information in respect of likely future developments in the business 
of the Company can be found in the Strategic Report on pages 8 to 
23 and forms part of this report by reference. 

Research and development
The Group does not undertake any research and development 
activities.

Political donations
The Group made no political donations during the year (2014: nil).

The existence of branches outside the UK
The Group has branches in the Netherlands and Qatar. 

Employees and policies 
The Group operates an equal opportunities policy that aims to treat 
individuals fairly and not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, 
ethnic origin or disability or on any other basis. Applications for 
employment are fully considered on their merits, and employees  
are given appropriate training and equal opportunities for career 
development and promotion.

The Group gives full consideration to applications for employment 
from disabled persons where the requirements of the job can be 
adequately fulfilled by a handicapped or disabled person. Where 
existing employees become disabled, it is the Group’s policy 
wherever practicable to provide continuing employment under 
normal terms and conditions and to provide training and career 
development and promotion opportunities to disabled employees 
wherever appropriate.

During the year, the policy of providing employees with information 
about the Group and keeping them up to date on financial, economic 
and other factors which affect the Group has been continued 
through internal media methods. Employees have also been 
encouraged to present their suggestions and views on the Group’s 
performance. Regular meetings are held between local management 
and employees to allow a free flow of information and ideas.

Health and safety
Information on health and safety is provided on pages 13, 19, 32 and 
35 and forms part of this report by reference.

Executive Service Contracts 
The service contracts for the Company’s executive Directors and 
senior management include provisions applicable to a change of 
control in the Company. Further details of these service contracts 
are described in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

Greenhouse gas emissions
Information on the Group’s greenhouse gas emissions is set out in 
the Corporate Social Responsibilty section on pages 32 to 35 and 
forms part of this report by reference.

6363

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTGULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015DIRECTORS’ REPORT continued

Dividends
The policy recommended for the 2015 year is to pay a dividend 
based on 10% of the Company’s consolidated post-tax adjusted 
profit from its ongoing business. The Board may decide to revise 
this policy if deemed appropriate.

financial statements on page 79. Details of the Group’s objectives 
and policies for managing its capital, its financial risk management 
objectives, details of its financial instruments and its exposure to 
credit and liquidity risk can be found in note 35 to the consolidated 
financial statements on pages 98 to 99. The principal risks and 
uncertainties facing the Group are set out on pages 21 to 23. 

The Board recommends a final dividend of 1.20 pence (1.74 cents)  
per share in respect of the 2015 financial year. Shareholders will  
be asked to approve the dividend at the AGM on 11 May 2016, for 
payment on 16 May 2016 to ordinary shareholders whose names  
are on the register on 15 April 2016. 

Going concern 
The Group is expected to continue to generate positive operating 
cash flows on its own account for the foreseeable future and has in 
place a committed capex loan facility of US$ 175.0 million, of which 
US$ 175.0 million remained undrawn as at 21 March 2016. The Group 
also has access to a committed working capital facility of US$ 50.0 
million, of which only US$ 25.0 million has been drawn to date.

On the basis of their assessment of the Group’s financial position, 
and after reviewing its cash flow forecasts for a period of not less 
than 12 months from the date of approval of the Annual Report,  
the Group’s Directors have a reasonable expectation that, taking 
into account reasonably possible changes in trading performance, 
the Group will be able to continue in operational existence for the 
foreseeable future. Thus they have adopted the going concern basis 
of accounting in preparing the consolidated financial statements. 

More information on the going concern status of the Group can be 
found in the going concern section of note 3 to the consolidated 

Information on the Group’s longer-term viability is provided within 
the risk management section on pages 20 to 23.

Statement on disclosure to the external auditor
So far as each Director is aware, there is no relevant information, 
which would be needed by the Company’s external auditor in 
connection with preparing its audit report (which appears on pages 
68 to 71) of which the external auditor is not aware; and each 
Director, in accordance with section 418(2) of the Companies Act 
2006, has taken all reasonable steps that he ought to have taken  
as a Director to make himself aware of any such information and  
to ensure that the external auditor is aware of such information.

Auditors
Deloitte LLP, the Group’s auditors, have indicated their willingness  
to continue in office and in accordance with Section 489 of the Act,  
a resolution to re-appoint them will be put to the 2016 AGM.

By order of the Board

John Brown
Company Secretary 
21 March 2016

6464

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report  
and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law  
and regulations.

Responsibility statement 
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

•  the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the 

relevant financial reporting framework, give a true and fair view 
of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the 
company and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole;

•  so far as each Director is aware, there is no relevant information, 
(including known or suspected non-compliance with laws or 
regulations), which would be needed by the company’s external 
auditor in connection with preparing its audit report (which 
appears on pages 68 to 71), of which the external auditor is not 
aware; and each Director, in accordance with section 418(2) of  
the Companies Act 2006, has taken all reasonable steps that he 
ought to have taken as a Director to make himself aware of any 
such information and to ensure that the external auditor is aware 
of such information;

•  all transactions have been recorded and are reflected in the 

financial statements;

•  the strategic report includes a fair review of the development  

and performance of the business and the position of the 
company and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal  
risks and uncertainties that they face; and

•  the annual report and financial statements, taken as a whole, are 
fair, balanced and understandable and provide the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the company’s 
performance, business model and strategy.

This responsibility statement was approved by the Board of 
Directors on 21 March 2016 and is signed on its behalf by:

Duncan Anderson   
Chief Executive Officer 
21 March 2016 

John Brown
Chief Financial Officer
21 March 2016

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements 
for each financial year. Under that law the Directors are required  
to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by 
the European Union and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation and have 
elected to prepare the parent company financial statements in 
accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law), 
including FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in 
the UK and Republic of Ireland”. Under company law the Directors 
must not approve the accounts unless they are satisfied that they 
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and  
of the profit or loss of the company for that period. 

In preparing the parent company financial statements, the Directors 
are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

consistently;

•  make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable 

and prudent;

•  state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been 
followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and 
explained in the financial statements; and

•  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will 
continue in business.

In preparing the Group financial statements, International 
Accounting Standard requires that Directors:

•  properly select and apply accounting policies;
•  present information, including accounting policies, in a manner 

that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable 
information; 

•  provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific 

requirements in IFRSs are insufficient to enable users to 
understand the impact of particular transactions, other events 
and conditions on the entity’s financial position and financial 
performance; and

•  make an assessment of the company’s ability to continue as a 

going concern.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that 
the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006.  
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the 
company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the  
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity  
of the corporate and financial information included on the  
company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing  
the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may 
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

6565

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTGULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

66

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Independent Auditor’s Report 
Group Consolidated Financial Statements 
Company Financial Statements 

68
72
102

67

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONINDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 
TO THE MEMBERS OF GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC

Opinion on financial  
statements of  
Gulf Marine Services plc

Going concern and the 
directors’ assessment  
of the principal risks  
that would threaten the  
solvency or liquidity  
of the Group

Independence

In our opinion:

 – the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s 

affairs as at 31 December 2015 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;

 – the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial 

Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union;

 – the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, including FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in 
the UK and Republic of Ireland”; and

 – the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 

2006 and, as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. 

The financial statements comprise the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Group and Parent 
Company Statements of Financial Position, the Group and Parent Company Statements of Cash Flows, the 
Group and Parent Company Statements of Changes in Equity, the related Group notes 1 to 39 and the related 
Parent Company notes 1 to 12. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of 
the Group financial statements is applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. The financial 
reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Parent Company financial statements is 
applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice), including FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”.

As required by the Listing Rules we have reviewed the directors’ statement regarding the appropriateness  
of the going concern basis of accounting contained within note 3 to the Group financial statements and the 
directors’ statement on the longer-term viability of the Group contained within the risk management section  
of the strategic report on page 23. 

We have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to:

 – the directors’ confirmation on page 23 that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal  

risks facing the group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency 
or liquidity;

 – the disclosures on pages 21 to 23 that describe those risks and explain how they are being managed  

or mitigated;

 – the directors’ statement in note 3 to the Group financial statements about whether they considered it 

appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing them and their identification of  
any material uncertainties to the Group’s ability to continue to do so over a period of at least twelve months 
from the date of approval of the financial statements;

 – the director’s explanation on page 23 as to how they have assessed the prospects of the group, over what 
period they have done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to 
whether they have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet 
its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any related disclosures drawing 
attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.

We agreed with the directors’ adoption of the going concern basis of accounting and we did not identify any 
such material uncertainties. However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this 
statement is not a guarantee as to the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.

We are required to comply with the Financial Reporting Council’s Ethical Standards for Auditors and we confirm 
that we are independent of the Group and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with 
those standards. We also confirm we have not provided any of the prohibited non-audit services referred to in 
those standards.

Our assessment of risks  
of material misstatement

The assessed risks of material misstatement described below are those that had the greatest effect  
on our audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit and directing the efforts of the  
engagement team.

The Audit Committee has requested that while not required under International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland), we include in our 
report any significant key observations in respect of these assessed risks of material misstatement.

68

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015Impairment of the Group’s vessels

Risk description

The Group’s vessels are its sole revenue generating assets, with a carrying value of $706.2 million at 31 December 
2015 (2014: $516.7 million) which represents 76% of the Group’s total assets at that date. Their recoverable 
amount is based on an assessment of the higher of fair value less cost to sell and value in use. Estimates of fair 
value less costs to sell take into consideration vessel valuations from an independent ship broker, whilst value in 
use is calculated as the net present value of estimated future cash flows, in each case on a vessel by vessel basis. 
In the current year, there is a risk that recoverable amounts could be adversely impacted by the significant and 
prolonged fall in prevailing oil & gas prices, due to the resultant impact on the Group’s customer base in the oil & 
gas industry. This risk was considered likely to be higher for the Group’s vessels operating in the North Sea, 
where the pressure on oil field service providers to reduce their costs has been particularly intense.

Management has assessed recoverable amount based on the estimated value in use of each vessel, which in 
all cases was higher than fair value less costs to sell, and concluded that no impairments have arisen. The key 
assumptions utilised in these calculations include, on a vessel by vessel basis:

 – forecast utilisation;
 – forecast day rates;
 – inflation; and
 – discount rate.

As referenced in note 4 of the financial statements impairment of the Group’s vessels is considered by 
management as a critical accounting judgement and key source of estimate uncertainty.

Further detail of the Group’s vessels is provided in note 9 to the financial statements. 

How the scope of our audit 
responded to the risk

We challenged the assumptions made by management on a vessel by vessel basis by reference to publicly 
available information, our knowledge of the Group and industry and the Group’s most recent budget.  
This included:

 – understanding the process by which management has derived its value in use estimates;
 – comparing forecast utilisation and day rates to those achieved in prior periods;
 – comparing forecast day rates to signed contracts for contracted periods, and challenging the basis adopted 

for day rates elsewhere in the calculations;

 – using our internal valuation specialists to perform an independent recalculation of the discount rate;
 – performing sensitivity tests, using more conservative assumptions for future day rates to take into 

consideration the current market conditions described above;

 – evaluating the design and implementation of management’s controls to address the risk of impairment of 

the Group’s vessels; and

 – testing the clerical accuracy of the calculations.

Key observations

We have concluded that management’s estimates of value in use were reasonable and are therefore satisfied 
that no impairments have arisen. We observed, however, that the level of headroom in the value in use 
estimates has fallen significantly in the last 12 months.

Capitalisation of vessel costs

Risk description

The Group has a significant new-build programme underway comprising the construction during the year of the 
Shamal, Scirocco, Sharqi and Evolution. Costs of $139.2 million (2014: $136.6 million) have been capitalised in the 
year in respect of assets under the course of construction. There is a risk that costs are not appropriately 
capitalised in accordance with the relevant accounting standards, including the requirement to only capitalise 
overheads and finance charges which are directly attributable to the construction activities.

The construction of the Shamal and Scirocco was completed during 2015 and there is also a risk that the date 
at which management considered these vessels to be ready for use, and hence capitalisation of the majority  
of costs ceases and depreciation commences, was inappropriate. 

Further detail of the costs capitalised on the Group’s vessels is provided in note 9 to the financial statements. 

How the scope of our audit 
responded to the risk

We have tested expenditure incurred during the year on the new-build programme on a sample basis to assess 
whether the related costs qualify for capitalisation under the relevant standards. This has included:

 – tracing direct third party costs to supporting documentation on a sample basis; 
 – testing the appropriate allocation of costs such as overheads and finance charges between amounts 

capitalised and amounts expensed, through understanding the basis and rationale for the split and verifying 
this through review of supporting evidence; 

 – evaluating the design and implementation of management controls to address the risk of inappropriate 

capitalisation of costs; and

 – obtaining supporting evidence for the date at which the Shamal and the Scirocco were considered by 

management to be ready for use and determining whether depreciation commenced and capitalisation  
of finance costs ceased from this date.

Key observations

Our testing showed that the costs of the 2015 new build programme have been appropriately capitalised in 
accordance with IFRS and did not identify any instances of inappropriate allocation of overheads and finance 
charges. We also agreed with the date on which both the Shamal and Scirocco were considered ready for use.

69

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTION 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 
TO THE MEMBERS OF GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC continued

Revenue recognition

Risk description

Each of the Group’s vessels earns revenues on the basis of a specific contract with the relevant counterparty. 
Each contract will typically specify a day rate, which can vary significantly by vessel and by counterparty,  
as well as a standby rate for when the vessel is available for use but not operational. Certain contracts also 
include amounts payable to the Group in respect of mobilising the vessel at the inception of the contract and/
or demobilising the vessel at the end of the contract term. As disclosed in the accounting policies in note 3 
lump-sum fees received for equipment moves (and related costs) and fees received for contract-specific 
equipment modifications or upgrades are initially deferred and amortised on a straight-line basis over the  
term of the contract. The costs of related equipment modifications or upgrades to vessels that are permanent 
in nature are capitalised and depreciated in accordance with the Group’s fixed asset capitalisation policy. 
Demobilisation revenue at the end of the contract is recognised as the services relating to the demobilisation 
are rendered.

Accordingly, in order for revenue to be recorded appropriately, for each vessel the company needs to:

 – accurately record the number of days both on hire and on standby; 
 – apply the correct contractual rates to the number of days in each of these categories; and
 – ensure mobilisation and demobilisation revenue has been appropriately recorded in accordance with the 

terms of the contract and the accounting policies above.

Due to the significant variability in contract terms by vessel and by counterparty, we have identified the 
complete and accurate recording of revenue as a key audit risk.

Further details of revenue arising in the year is provided in note 24 to the financial statements.

How the scope of  
our audit responded  
to the risk

We have obtained a detailed schedule analysing the revenue earned by month and by vessel, which specifies 
both the number of days on hire/on standby and the relevant contractual rate, and agreed this to the general 
ledger. We have:

 – agreed the days on hire/standby to a report from the Group’s operations department, on a sample  

basis to invoice (which state the number of days to which it relates) and to subsequent payment or to 
debtor confirmation replies. Where balances remain unpaid we have understood the rational for non 
payment through discussions with operational management, review of board minutes and correspondence 
with customers;

 – performed an analysis on the number of days on hire/standby, obtaining supporting explanation for any 
gaps and reconciling this to our knowledge of each vessel’s operational performance during the year;

 – agreed the day rate to the underlying contract; 
 – recalculated the revenue figure and agreed this to both invoice and either subsequent cash received or the 

year end debtors schedule; and

 – for mobilisation and demobilisation revenue, determined whether revenue has been recorded in accordance 

with the terms of the contract and the Group’s accounting policy in this area.

We have also evaluated the design and implementation of management controls to address the risk of 
inappropriate revenue recognition.

Key observations

Our testing showed that revenue has been recorded in accordance with the terms of the underlying contracts 
and the Group’s accounting policies in this area.

The risks included in our audit report for 2015 are consistent with those as reported in our audit report for the year ended 31 December 2014.

The description of risks above should be read in conjunction with the significant issues considered by the Audit Committee discussed on page 46.

These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we 
do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Our application  
of materiality

We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the 
economic decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality both 
in planning the scope of our audit work and in evaluating the results of our work.

We determined materiality for the Group to be $3.8 million (2014: $4.0 million), which is 5% (2014: 5%) of pre-tax 
profit, and below 1% (2014: 1%) of equity. 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of 
$76,000 (2014: $80,000), as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on 
qualitative grounds. We also report to the Audit Committee on disclosure matters that we identified when  
assessing the overall presentation of the financial statements. 

70

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015An overview of the 
scope of our audit

Opinion on other  
matters prescribed  
by the Companies  
Act 2006

Our Group audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group and its environment, including group-wide 
controls, and assessing the risks of material misstatement at the Group level. Based on that assessment, we 
identified the Group’s business to be a single component, and therefore all operations of the Group were subject  
to a full scope audit. During the course of the audit, senior members of the UK audit team, including the Senior 
Statutory Auditor, supervised the members of the audit team who are based in the United Arab Emirates, and 
visited the United Arab Emirates operations during the interim and completion stages of the audit.

In our opinion:

 – the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the 

Companies Act 2006; and

 – the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the 

financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

Adequacy of  
explanations  
received and 
accounting records

Directors’ 
remuneration

Corporate  
Governance 
Statement

Our duty to read  
other information  
in the Annual Report

Respective 
responsibilities  
of directors and 
auditor

Scope of the audit  
of the financial 
statements

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

 – we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
 – adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have 

not been received from branches not visited by us; or

 – the Parent Company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required to report if in our opinion certain disclosures of directors’ 
remuneration have not been made or the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited is not in agreement 
with the accounting records and returns. We have nothing to report arising from these matters.

Under the Listing Rules we are also required to review part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the 
company’s compliance with certain provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code. We have nothing to report 
arising from our review.

Under International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland), we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, 
information in the annual report is:

 – materially inconsistent with the information in the audited financial statements; or
 – apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of the Group acquired  

in the course of performing our audit; or

 – otherwise misleading.

In particular, we are required to consider whether we have identified any inconsistencies between our knowledge 
acquired during the audit and the directors’ statement that they consider the annual report is fair, balanced and 
understandable and whether the annual report appropriately discloses those matters that we communicated to  
the audit committee which we consider should have been disclosed. We confirm that we have not identified any  
such inconsistencies or misleading statements.

As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement, the directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility 
is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International 
Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). We also comply with International Standard on Quality Control 1 (UK and 
Ireland). Our audit methodology and tools aim to ensure that our quality control procedures are effective, 
understood and applied. Our quality controls and systems include our dedicated professional standards review 
team and independent partner reviews.

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the 
Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those 
matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted 
by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a 
body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to 
give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused  
by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s 
and the Parent Company’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the 
reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and the overall presentation of the 
financial statements. In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the annual report to 
identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is 
apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the 
course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies  
we consider the implications for our report.

David Paterson (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
London
21 March 2016

71

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTION 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
for the year ended 31 December 2015

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
General and administrative expenses
Finance income
Finance expense
Other (loss)/income
Foreign exchange loss, net

Profit for the year before taxation

Taxation charge for the year

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income – items that may be reclassified to profit and loss:
Exchange differences on translating foreign operations

Total comprehensive income for the year

Profit attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests 

Total comprehensive income attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests

Earnings per share 
Basic (cents per share)
Diluted (cents per share)

All results are derived from continuing operations in each year.

Notes

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

24

7

26

25

21

27

219,713
(87,491)

132,222
(20,875)
640
(34,134)
(740)
(32)

77,081

(2,058)

75,023

(817)

74,206

74,776
247

75,023

73,959
247

74,206

8

8

21.39
21.25

196,554
(70,094)

126,460
(25,417)
843
(21,354)
245
(408)

80,369

(4,744)

75,625

(430)

75,195

75,065
560

75,625

74,635
560

75,195

22.14
22.04

72

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
as at 31 December 2015

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangibles
Dry docking expenditure
Fixed asset prepayments

Total non-current assets

Current assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Capital and reserves
Share capital
Share premium
Restricted reserve
Group restructuring reserve
Share option reserve
Capital contribution
Translation reserve
Retained earnings

Attributable to the Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Non-current liabilities
Bank borrowings
Obligations under finance leases
Provision for employees’ end of service benefits
Deferred tax liability

Total non-current liabilities

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Current tax liability
Bank borrowings
Obligations under finance leases

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Notes

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

9

10

11

12

13

14

14

18

15

16

17

20

32

22

23

20

32

796,261
375
6,510
261

803,407

59,876
60,834

120,710

924,117

57,929
93,075
272
(49,710)
1,409
9,177
(637)
311,760

423,275
628

423,903

347,253
39,577
3,391
13

390,234

 33,883 
3,208 
17,863 
55,026 

109,980

500,214

924,117

614,524 
750 
4,177 
750

620,201

49,948 
59,532 

109,480

729,681

57,929 
93,247 
272 
(49,437)
563 
9,177 
180 
246,631 

358,562
610 

359,172

225,741 
42,473 
2,468 
5 

270,687

30,120 
4,809 
23,415 
41,478 

99,822

370,509

729,681

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 21 March 2016. They were signed on its 
behalf by:

Duncan Anderson   
Chief Executive Officer 

John Brown
Chief Financial Officer

73

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTION 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the year ended 31 December 2015

Share
capital
US$’000

Share 
premium
US$’000

Statutory
reserve
US$’000

Restricted
reserve
US$’000

Group 
restructuring 
reserve
US$’000

Share 
option 
reserve
US$’000

Capital 
contribution
US$’000

Translation 
reserve
US$’000

Retained
earnings
US$’000

Attributable 
to the 
owners 
of the 
Company
US$’000

Non-
controlling 
interests
US$’000

Total
equity
US$’000

78,527

610 103,228

182,910

1,328 184,238

–

(430)

 75,065 

 74,635 

560

75,195

Balance at 
1 January 2014

273

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(273)

Total 
comprehensive 
income
Share 
appreciation 
rights charge 
(note 36)
Share options 
rights charge 
(note 37)
Transfer  
of capital 
contribution  
to retained 
earnings
Transfer to 
restricted 
reserve
Group 
restructuring 
reserve
Issue of share 
capital
Capital 
reduction
Issue of share 
capital – IPO
Share issue 
cost
Dividends paid 
during the year 
(note 38)

 497,100

(447,390)

8,219  102,702 

–

(9,455)

–

–

Balance at 
1 January 2015

 57,929 

 93,247 

Total 
comprehensive 
income
Share options 
rights charge 
(note 37)
Group 
restructuring 
reserve
Acquisition of 
interest in joint 
venture
Share issue 
cost
Dividends paid 
during the year 
(note 38)

Balance at 
31 December 
2015

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 (172)

–

57,929 93,075

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

136

136

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(136)

136

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

273

(497,100)

447,390

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,400

563 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 (70,750)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,400

563

70,750

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

110,921

(9,455)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,400

563

–

–

–

–

–

110,921

(9,455)

(2,412)

(2,412)

(1,278)

(3,690)

272

(49,437)

563

9,177

180 246,631 

358,562 

610 359,172

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 846 

 (273)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 (817)

 74,776 

 73,959 

 247 

 74,206 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

846

 (273)

–

–

846

 (273)

 (1,816)

 (1,816)

 (229)

 (2,045)

–

 (172)

(7,831)

 (7,831)

–

–

 (172)

 (7,831)

272

(49,710) 1,409

9,177

(637) 311,760

423,275

628 423,903

Please refer to note 19 for description of each reserve.

74

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
for the year ended 31 December 2015

Net cash generated from operating activities (note 29)

Investing activities
Payments for property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment
Movement in capital advances
Dry docking expenditure incurred
Movement in pledged deposits
Movement in guarantee deposits
Interest received

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities
Bank borrowings received
Proceeds from share issue – IPO
Share issue cost paid
Repayment of bank borrowings
Repayment of loans from related parties
Repayment of short term loans to shareholders
Interest paid
Payment on obligations under finance lease
Dividends paid
Decrease in loans to related parties
Payment of issue cost on borrowings

Net cash provided by financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year (note 13)

Non-cash transactions
Transfer of capital contribution to retained earnings (note 14)
Group restructuring reserve recognised (note 15)
Finance lease transaction (note 9)

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

124,960

120,353

 (184,403)
 768
 489 
 (7,320)
 299 
 (247)
640

(136,563)
25
(750)
(4,656)
1,679
(164)
843

(189,774)

(139,586)

485,000
–
(172)
(370,500)
–
–
(25,832)
(4,628)
(7,831)
–
(9,921)

66,116

1,302
59,532

60,834

–
–
53,000

–
110,921
(9,455)
(13,000)
(19,504)
(782)
(22,814)
(4,832)
(3,455)
445
(5,656)

31,868

12,635
46,897

59,532

70,750
(49,437)
–

75

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for year ended 31 December 2015

1.  General information
Gulf Marine Services PLC (“GMS” or “the Company”) is a Company which registered in England and Wales on 24 January 2014. The Company 
is a public limited company with operations mainly in the Middle East and North Africa, and Europe. The address of the registered office of 
the Company is 1st Floor, 40 Dukes Place, London EC3A 7NH. The registered number of the Company is 08860816.

The principal activities of GMS and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Group”) are investing in, establishing and managing 
commercial, and industrial projects as well as chartering and operating a fleet of specially designed and built vessels. All information  
in the notes relates to the Group, not the Company unless otherwise stated.

The Company and its subsidiaries are engaged in providing self-propelled, self-elevating accommodation vessels which provide the stable 
platform for delivery of a wide range of services throughout the total lifecycle of offshore oil, gas and renewable energy activities and which 
are capable of operations in the Middle East, South East Asia, West Africa and Europe.

2.  Adoption of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs)
The accounting policies and methods of computation adopted in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are consistent 
with those followed in the preparation of the Group’s annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2014, except for the 
adoption of new standards and interpretations effective as of 1 January 2015.

New and revised IFRSs applied with no material effect on the consolidated financial statements
The following new and revised IFRSs have been adopted in these consolidated financial statements. The application of these new and 
revised IFRSs has not had any material impact on the amounts reported for the current and prior years but may affect the accounting for 
future transactions or arrangements.

New and revised IFRSs

Summary of requirements

IFRIC 21 Levies

Annual Improvements to IFRSs: 
2010-2012 covering amendments to 
IFRS 2, IFRS 3, IFRS 8, IFRS 13, IAS 16  
and IAS 38, and IAS 24

Annual Improvements to IFRSs: 
2011-2013 covering amendments to 
IFRS 1, IFRS 3, IFRS 13 and IAS 40

Amendments to IAS 19 Defined Benefit 
Plans: Employee Contributions

Amendments to IAS 32 Financial 
Instruments: Presentation

Amendments to IAS 36 Impairment of 
Assets relating to recoverable amount 
disclosures for non-financial assets

Amendments to IAS 39 Financial 
Instruments: Recognition and 
Measurement, Novation of Derivatives 
and Continuation of Hedge Accounting

IFRIC 21 provided guidance on when to recognise a liability for a levy imposed by a government, 
both for levies that are accounted for in accordance with IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities 
and Contingent Assets and those where the timing and amount of the levy is certain.

IFRS 2 – Amends the definitions of ‘vesting condition’ and ‘market condition’ and adds definitions 
for ‘performance condition’ and ‘service condition’.
IFRS 3 – Requires contingent consideration that is classified as an asset or a liability to be 
measured at fair value at each reporting date.
IFRS 8 – Requires disclosure of the judgements made by management in applying the 
aggregation criteria to operating segments, clarify reconciliations of segment assets only 
required if segment assets are reported regularly.
IFRS 13 – Clarify that issuing IFRS 13 and amending IFRS 9 and IAS 39 did not remove the ability 
to measure certain short-term receivables and payables on an undiscounted basis (amends 
basis for conclusions only).
IAS 16 and IAS 38 – Clarify that the gross amount of property, plant and equipment is adjusted in 
a manner consistent with a revaluation of the carrying amount.
IAS 24 – Clarify how payments to entities providing management services are to be disclosed.

IFRS 1 – Clarify which versions of IFRSs can be used on initial adoption (amends basis for 
conclusions only).
IFRS 3 – Clarify that IFRS 3 excludes from its scope the accounting for the formation of a joint 
arrangement in the financial statements of the joint arrangement itself.
IFRS 13 – Clarify the scope of the portfolio exception in paragraph 52.
IAS 40 – Clarify the interrelationship of IFRS 3 and IAS 40 when classifying property as 
investment property or owner-occupied property.

The amendments clarify the requirements that relate to how contributions from employees or 
third parties that are linked to service should be attributed to periods of service. In addition, it 
permits a practical expedient if the amount of the contributions is independent of the number of 
years of service, in that contributions, can, but are not required, to be recognised as a reduction 
in the service cost in the period in which the related service is rendered.

The amendments provide guidance on the offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities.

The amendments restrict the requirements to disclose the recoverable amount of an asset  
or CGU to the period in which an impairment loss has been recognised or reversed. They also 
expand and clarify the disclosure requirements applicable when an asset or CGU’s recoverable 
amount has been determined on the basis of fair value less costs of disposal.

The amendments allow the continuation of hedge accounting when a derivative is novated to  
a clearing counterparty and certain conditions are met.

Amendments to IFRS 10 Consolidated 
Financial Statements, IFRS 12 Disclosure 
of Interests in Other Entities and IAS 27 
Separate Financial Statements – 
Guidance on Investment Entities

On 31 October 2012, the IASB published a standard on investment entities, which amends IFRS 
10, IFRS 12, and IAS 27 and introduces the concept of an investment entity in IFRSs. The objective 
of this project is to develop an exemption from the requirement to consolidate subsidiaries for 
eligible investment entities (such as mutual funds, unit trusts, and similar entities), instead 
requiring the use of the fair value to measure those investments.

76

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015New and revised IFRSs in issue but not yet effective
At the date of authorisation of these consolidated financial statements, the following new and revised IFRSs were in issue but not 
yet effective:

New and revised IFRSs

Amendments to IAS 12 Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses 

IFRS 16 Leases 

Effective for annual periods 
beginning on or after

1 January 2017

1 January 2019

Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 28 Investment Entities: Applying the Consolidation Exception 

1 January 2016

Amendments to IAS 1 Disclosure Initiative

1 January 2016

Annual Improvements to IFRSs: 2012-2014 Cycle Annual Improvements to IFRSs: 2012-2014 Cycle

1 January 2016

Amendments to IAS 27 Equity Method in Separate Financial Statements

1 January 2016

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (as revised in 2010)

Not earlier than 1 January 2018

Amendments to IFRS 9 Financial Instruments to introduce a new expected loss impairment model and 
limited changes to the classification and measurement requirements for financial assets

IFRS 14 Regulatory Deferral Accounts 

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Amendments to IFRS 11 Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations

1 January 2018

1 January 2016

1 January 2018

1 January 2016

Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38 Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation  1 January 2016

Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 41 Agriculture: Bearer Plants

1 January 2016

Amendment to IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures relating to transition to IFRS 9 (or otherwise 
when IFRS 9 is first applied)

Amendments to IAS 39 Financial Instruments

When IFRS 9 is first applied

When IFRS 9 is first applied

Management anticipates that the adoption of these IFRSs in future periods will have no material impact on the consolidated financial 
statements of the Group in the period of initial application, with the exception of IFRS 15 and IFRS 16 for which the Management is currently 
in the process of assessing the impact of adoption.

3.  Significant accounting policies
The Group’s significant accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have 
been consistently applied to each of the years presented.

Statement of compliance
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as 
adopted by the European Union (“EU”) and therefore the financial information presented complies with Article 4 of the EU IAS Regulation. 
IFRS includes the standards and interpretations approved by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) including International 
Accounting Standards (“IAS”) and interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”).

Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for derivative financial instruments and share 
based payments that are measured at revalued amounts or fair values at the end of each reporting period. Historical cost is generally based 
on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for assets.

For financial reporting purposes, fair value measurements are categorised into Level 1, 2 or 3 based on the degree to which the inputs to the fair 
value measurements are observable and the significance of the inputs to the fair value measurement in its entirety, which are described as follows:

•  Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the 

measurement date; 

•  Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly  

or indirectly; and 

•  Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. 

Basis of consolidation
The financial statements incorporate the financial statements of GMS and entities controlled by GMS (its subsidiaries). Management have 
assessed the control which GMS has over its subsidiaries in accordance with IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements which provides that 
an investor controls an investee when the investor is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and 
has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee.

77

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
for year ended 31 December 2015

3.  Significant accounting policies continued
Basis of consolidation continued
Details of GMS’s subsidiaries at 31 December 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

Proportion of  
Ownership Interest

Name

Gulf Marine Services W.L.L.
Offshore Holding Invt SA
Offshore Logistics Invt SA
Offshore Accommodation Invt. SA
Offshore Jack-up Invt SA
Offshore Craft Invt SA
Offshore Structure Invt SA
Offshore Maritime Invt SA
Offshore Tugboat Invt SA
Offshore Boat Invt SA
Offshore Kudeta Invt SA
GMS Endurance Invt SA
Mena Marine Limited
Gulf Marine Services (UK) Limited
Gulf Marine Services Saudi Arabia Limited
Gulf Marine Services (Asia) Pte. Ltd.
GMS Enterprise Investment SA
GMS Sharqi Investment SA
GMS Scirocco Investment SA
GMS Shamal Investment SA
GMS Jersey Holdco. 1
GMS Jersey Holdco. 2
GMS FZE
GMS Global
GMS Keloa Invt SA

Place of Registration

Abu Dhabi
Panama
Panama
Panama
Panama
Panama
Panama
Panama
Panama
Panama
Panama
Panama
Cayman Islands
United Kingdom
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Panama
Panama
Panama
Panama
Jersey
Jersey
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates
Panama

2015

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
75%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

2014

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
60%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
–
–
–
–
–

Type of Activity

Marine Contractors
Holding Company
Owner of Barge “Naashi” 
Owner of “Khawla 181”
Owner of Barge “Kamikaze”
Owner of Barge “GMS Endeavour”
Owner of Barge “Kikuyu”
Owner of “Helios”
Owner of “Atlas”
Owner of Barge “Kawawa”
Owner of Barge “Kudeta”
Owner of Barge “Endurance”
General investment and trading
Operator of offshore barges
Operator of offshore barges
Operator of offshore barges
Owner of Barge “Enterprise”
Owner of Barge “Sharqi”
Owner of Barge “Scirocco”
Owner of Barge “Shamal”
General Investment
General Investment
Operator of Offshore Barges
General Investment
Owner of Barge “Keloa”

Group restructuring 
On 24 January 2014, the Company was incorporated as the new holding company for the Group. On 5 February 2014, the Company legally 
acquired GMS Global Commercial Investments LLC (the previous parent company of the Group), including the underlying subsidiaries. The 
transaction was effected by way of issuing shares in the Company to the existing shareholders of GMS Global Commercial Investments  
in exchange for their shares already held in GMS Global Commercial Investments LLC. This transaction falls outside the scope of IFRS 3 
Business Combinations, therefore the pooling of interests (merger accounting) method was applied and the consolidated financial 
information of the Group is presented as a continuation of the existing group. The following accounting treatment was applied:

•  the consolidated assets and liabilities of the previous parent, GMS Global Commercial Investments LLC, were recognised and measured  

at the pre-restructuring carrying amounts, without restatement to fair value; 

•  the results for the period from 1 January 2014 to the date of restructuring are those of GMS Global Commercial Investments LLC; and 
•  the difference between historical carrying amounts of net assets transferred and consideration paid has been recognised as a group 

restructuring reserve (note 15).

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate.

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the results of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies in line with those used by other 
members of the Group. All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated in full on consolidation.

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries are identified separately from the Group’s equity therein. The interests of non-controlling 
shareholders may be initially measured either at fair value or at the non-controlling interests’ proportionate share of the fair value of  
the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. The choice of measurement basis is made on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis. Subsequent to 
acquisition, the carrying amount of non-controlling interests is the amount of those interests at initial recognition plus the non-controlling 
interests’ share of subsequent changes in equity. Total comprehensive income is attributed to non-controlling interests even if this results 
in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance.

Changes in the Group’s interests in subsidiaries that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions. The carrying 
amounts of the Group’s interests and the non-controlling interests are adjusted to reflect the changes in their relative interests in the 
subsidiaries. Any difference between the amount by which the non-controlling interests are adjusted and the fair value of the consideration 
paid or received is recognised directly in equity and attributed to owners of the Group. Acquisitions of subsidiaries and businesses are 
accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration for each acquisition is measured at the aggregate of the fair values 

78

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015 
(at the date of exchange) of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued by the Group in exchange for control 
of the acquiree. Acquisition-related costs are recognised in profit or loss as incurred. Fair value is determined as the amount for which an 
asset could be exchanged, or a liability transferred, between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s length transaction.

The acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that meet the conditions for recognition under IFRS 3(2008) are 
recognised at their fair value at the acquisition date.

When the Group loses control of a subsidiary, the profit or loss on disposal is calculated as the difference between (i) the aggregate of the fair 
value of the consideration received and the fair value of any retained interest and (ii) the previous carrying amount of the assets (including 
goodwill), and liabilities of the subsidiary and any non-controlling interests. Amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income in 
relation to the subsidiary are accounted for (i.e. reclassified to profit or loss or transferred directly to retained earnings) in the same manner  
as would be required if the relevant assets or liabilities were disposed of. The fair value of any investment retained in the former subsidiary at 
the date when control is lost is regarded as the fair value on initial recognition for subsequent accounting under IAS 39 Financial Instruments: 
Recognition and Measurement or, when applicable, the cost on initial recognition of an investment in an associate or jointly controlled entity.

Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. The use of this basis of accounting takes into consideration the 
Group’s current and forecast financial position, including the capital commitments described in note 31. Further information on the use of  
the going concern basis has been disclosed in the Directors’ report.

Revenue recognition
Revenue comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the sale of goods and services in the ordinary course of  
the Group’s activities. Revenue is recognised only when it is probable that the economic benefits associated with a transaction will flow to 
the Group and the amount of revenue can be measured reliably and is stated net of sales taxes if applicable (such as VAT) and discounts.  
If advances are received from customers for future contractual services, the revenue is deferred until the services are provided.

Charter revenue
Revenue from services is recognised as the services are rendered, including where they are based on contractual daily rates for the 
chartering of vessels in respect of multi-year service contracts. Income from vessels hired on time and voyage charters and from the  
hire of equipment or personnel is accounted for on a time apportionment basis in line with agreed contract terms.

Contract mobilisation/demobilisation revenue
Charter contracts generally provide for payment on a daily rate basis, and revenues are recognised as the work progresses with the  
passage of time. In addition, lump-sum payments are occasionally received at the outset or at the end of a contract for equipment moves  
or modifications. Lump-sum fees received for equipment moves (and related costs) and fees received for contract-specific equipment 
modifications or upgrades as part of mobilisations are initially deferred and amortised on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract. 
Lump-sum fees received for equipment moves (and related costs) as part of demobilisations are recognised as the services relating to the 
demobilisation are rendered. 

The costs of contractual equipment modifications or upgrades to vessels that are permanent in nature are capitalised and depreciated  
in accordance with the Group’s fixed asset capitalisation policy. The costs of moving equipment while not under contract are expensed  
as incurred. 

Revenue is recognised for certain reimbursable costs. Each reimbursable item and amount is stipulated in the Group’s contract with the 
customer, and such items and amounts are variable from contract to contract. Reimbursable costs are recognised on the gross basis, as 
both revenues and expenses, because the Group is the primary obligor in the arrangement, has discretion in supplier selection, is involved  
in determining product or service specifications and assumes full credit risk related to the reimbursable costs.

Revenue from messing and accommodation services 
Revenue from these services is recognised as the services are rendered, including where they are based on contractual daily rates for 
providing accommodation and messing services which may include catering and cleaning services.

Interest income
Interest income is recognised when it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the amount of income can be 
measured reliably. Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate 
applicable, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to that 
asset’s net carrying amount on initial recognition.

Maintenance income
Maintenance income relates to maintenance work which is carried out on vessels during times that the vessel is on hire. This is done 
periodically throughout the year and is charged to customers in accordance with agreed contractual daily rates. Maintenance revenue  
is recognised when the work takes place.

Sundry income
Sundry income relates to handling charges which are applied to costs which are paid by the Group and then recharged to the customer.  
The revenue is recognised when the costs are recharged to customers with the handling charge applied. 

Leasing
Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, except where another systematic 
basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed. Contingent rentals arising 
under operating leases are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred.

79

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
for year ended 31 December 2015

3.  Significant accounting policies continued
Leasing continued
In the event that lease incentives are received to enter into operating leases, such incentives are recognised as a liability. The aggregate
benefit of incentives is recognised as a reduction of rental expense on a straight-line basis, except where another systematic basis is more 
representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.

Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the 
lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are initially recognised as assets of the Group at their fair value at the inception of the lease or, if lower,  
at the present value of the minimum lease payments calculated using the Group’s incremental borrowing rate. The corresponding liability  
to the lessor is included in the consolidated statement of financial position as a finance lease obligation.

Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest 
on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are charged directly to profit or loss, unless they are directly attributable to 
qualifying assets, in which case they are capitalised in accordance with the Group’s general policy on borrowing costs (see page 81).

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses (if any). The cost of 
property, plant and equipment is their purchase cost together with any incidental expenses of acquisition. Subsequent expenditure incurred 
on vessels is capitalised where the expenditure gives rise to future economic benefits in excess of the originally assessed standard of 
performance of the existing assets.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost of property, plant and equipment less their residual values over their useful lives, using 
the straight-line method. The residual values of vessels and related equipment are determined taking into consideration the expected scrap 
value of the vessel, which is calculated based on the weight and the market rate of steel at the time of asset purchase. If the price per unit of 
steel at the balance sheet date varies significantly from that on date of purchase, the residual value is reassessed to reflect changes in 
market value. The estimated useful lives used for this purpose are:

Vessels 

Land, buildings and improvements

Vessel spares, fittings and other equipment 

Office equipment and fittings 

Motor vehicles

25–35 years

5–20 years 

3–10 years 

3–5 years 

3 years 

Taking into consideration independent professional advice, management considers the principal estimated useful lives of vessels for the 
purpose of calculating depreciation to be 25 to 35 years from the date of construction. However the useful economic life of one vessel, 
Naashi, was extended by 10 years to 45 years as a result of a major upgrade done on the vessel in 2010.

The estimated useful life depends on the type and nature of the vessel. 

The estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation method are reviewed at each year end, with the effect of any changes in 
estimate accounted for on a prospective basis.

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an item of property, plant and equipment is determined as the difference between 
the sale proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised within administrative expenses in the income statement.

The depreciation charge for the period is allocated between cost of sales and administrative expenses, depending on the usage of the 
respective assets.

Standby equipment
The cost of purchased second hand engines and related refurbishment expenses which are classified as standby equipment are capitalised 
and depreciated from the date that the engine has been made ready for use and installed on the vessel.

Second hand refurbished engines are depreciated over the shorter of the useful economic life of the refurbished second hand standby 
equipment or the life of the vessel on which such equipment is installed. 

Repair expenses relating to used engines belonging to the Group are charged to administrative expenses when incurred.

Drydocking
The costs incurred for periodical drydocking or major overhauls of the vessels are identified as a separate inherent component of the 
vessels and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the period to the next anticipated dry-dock being approximately 30 months.

For acquired or newly built vessels, a notional dry dock cost is allocated from the vessel’s cost based on experience of similar vessels, and  
(if material) depreciated on a straight-line basis to the next anticipated drydocking . If a drydocking occurs prior to its anticipated date, any 
remaining capitalised drydocking expenditure is expensed.

Capital work-in-progress
Properties and vessels in the course of construction for production, supply or administrative purposes, are carried at cost, less any recognised 
impairment loss. Cost includes professional fees and, for qualifying assets, borrowing costs capitalised in accordance with the Group’s accounting 
policy. Depreciation of these assets, on the same basis as other property assets, commences when the assets are ready for their intended use.

80

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015Intangible assets
Intangible assets with finite useful lives that are acquired separately are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated 
impairment losses. Amortisation is recognised on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives The estimated useful lives used for 
this purpose are:

Customer relationships

10 years 

The estimated useful life and amortisation method are reviewed at the end of each reporting period, with the effect of any changes in 
estimate being accounted for on a prospective basis.

Intangible assets acquired in a business combination and recognised separately from goodwill are initially recognised at their fair value at 
the acquisition date (which is regarded as their cost).

Subsequent to initial recognition, intangible assets acquired in a business combination are reported at cost less accumulated amortisation 
and accumulated impairment losses, on the same basis as intangible assets that are acquired separately. The amortisation expense on 
intangibles is included as a part of general and administrative expenses.

An intangible asset is derecognised on disposal, or when no future economic benefits are expected from use or disposal. Gains or losses 
arising from derecognition of an intangible asset, measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount 
of the asset, are recognised in profit or loss when the asset is derecognised.

Impairment of tangible and intangible assets other than goodwill 
At the end of each reporting period, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether 
there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset 
is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). When it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of 
an individual asset, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. When a reasonable 
and consistent basis of allocation can be identified, corporate assets are also allocated to individual cash-generating units, or otherwise they 
are allocated to the smallest group of cash-generating units for which a reasonable and consistent allocation basis can be identified.

Intangible assets not yet available for use are tested for impairment at least annually, and whenever there is an indication that the asset 
may be impaired.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows 
are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money 
and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of  
the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

When an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or a cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised 
estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been 
determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss 
is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily 
take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the 
assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale.

All other borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they are incurred.

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that the 
Group will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the end of the 
reporting period, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using the cash 
flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows.

When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, the receivable  
is recognised as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received and the amount of the receivable can be 
measured reliably.

Employees’ end of service benefits 
In accordance with the applicable Labour Laws of UAE, the Group is required to pay end of service benefits to all qualifying employees  
upon cessation of employment. The only obligation of the Group with respect to end of service benefits is to make the specified lump sum 
payments to employees which become payable when they leave the Group for reasons other than gross misconduct. The amount payable 
is calculated as a multiple of a pre-defined fraction of basic salary based on the number of full years of service.

To meet the requirement of UAE labour laws, a provision is made for the full amount of end of service benefits payable to qualifying 
employees up to the end of the reporting period. The provision relating to end of service benefits is disclosed as a non-current liability.  
The provision has not been subject to a full actuarial valuation or discounted as the impact would not be material.

81

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
for year ended 31 December 2015

3.  Significant accounting policies continued
Employees’ end of service benefits continued
The actual payment is made in the year of cessation of employment of a qualifying employee. The payment for end of service benefit is 
made as a lump sum along with the full and final settlement of the employee.

The total expense recognised in profit or loss of loss of US$ 1.2 million (2014: US$ 0.7 million) represents end of service benefit provision 
made to employees in accordance with UAE Labour Laws.

Foreign currencies
The individual financial statements of each Group company are prepared in the currency of the primary economic environment in which it 
operates (its functional currency). For the purpose of these financial statements US Dollars (US$) is the functional currency of the Group 
and the presentation currency of the Group.

In preparing the financial statements of the individual companies, transactions in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency 
(foreign currencies) are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At the end of each reporting period, 
monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at that date. Non-monetary items carried at fair 
value that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at the date when the fair value was determined. 
Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.

Exchange differences are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they arise except for exchange differences on monetary items 
receivable from or payable to a foreign operation for which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur, which form part of the net 
investment in a foreign operation, and which are recognised in the foreign currency translation reserve and recognised in profit or loss  
on disposal of the net investment.

For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial information, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s subsidiaries are expressed in 
US Dollars using exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period. Income and expense items are translated at the average 
exchange rates for the period, unless exchange rates fluctuated significantly during that period, in which case the exchange rates at the 
dates of the transactions are used. Exchange differences arising, if any, are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated  
in equity (attributed to non-controlling interests as appropriate).

On the disposal of a foreign operation (i.e. a disposal of the Group’s entire interest in a foreign operation, or a disposal involving loss  
of control over a subsidiary that includes a foreign operation, loss of joint control over a jointly controlled entity that includes a foreign 
operation, or loss of significant influence over an associate that includes a foreign operation), all of the accumulated exchange differences  
in respect of that operation attributable to the Group are reclassified to profit or loss. Any exchange differences that have previously been 
attributed to non-controlling interests are derecognised, but they are not reclassified to profit or loss.

Taxation
Income tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

Current tax
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from ‘profit before tax’ as reported in the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income because of items of income and expense that are taxable or deductible in other years  
and items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or 
substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

Deferred tax
Deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities in the financial statements 
and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable 
temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are generally recognised for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is 
probable that taxable profits will be available against which those deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such deferred tax  
assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a 
business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, and interests 
in joint ventures, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary 
difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable 
that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised based 
on tax laws and rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the 
income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited in other comprehensive income, in which case the deferred tax is also 
dealt with in other comprehensive income.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax 
liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets 
and liabilities on a net basis.

82

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015Long term incentive plans
The fair value of an equity instrument is determined at the grant date based on market prices if available, taking into account the terms  
and conditions upon which those equity instruments were granted. If market prices are not available for share awards, the fair value of the 
equity instruments is estimated using a valuation technique to derive an estimate of what the price of those equity instruments would have 
been at the relevant measurement date in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties. 

Equity-settled share based payments to employees are measured at the fair value of the instruments, using a binomial model together with 
Monte Carlo simulations as at the grant date, and is expensed over the vesting period. The value of the expense is dependent upon certain 
key assumptions including the expected future volatility of the Group’s share price at the date of grant. The fair value measurement reflects 
all market based vesting conditions. Service and non-market performance conditions are taken into account in determining the number  
of rights that are expected to vest. The impact of the revision of the original estimates, if any, is recognised in profit or loss such that the 
cumulative expense reflects the revised estimate, with a corresponding adjustment to equity reserves.

Financial assets
The Group has the following financial assets: cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments and advances 
to suppliers) and amounts due from related parties. These financial assets are classified as ‘loans and receivables’. The classification 
depends on the nature and purpose of the financial asset and is determined at the time of initial recognition.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and balances held with banks with original maturities of three months or less.

Trade and other receivables and due from related parties
Trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments and advances to suppliers) and due from related parties that have fixed or 
determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market are classified as loans and receivables. Loans and receivables are measured 
at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment. Interest income is recognised by applying the effective interest 
rate, except for short-term receivables or when the recognition of interest would be immaterial.

Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at the end of each reporting period. Financial assets are considered to be 
impaired when there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial 
asset, the estimated future cash flows of the investment have been affected.

Objective evidence of impairment could include:

•  significant financial difficulty of the issuer or counterparty; or
•  default or delinquency in interest or principal payments; or
• 

it becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation.

For certain categories of financial asset, such as trade receivables, assets that are assessed not to be impaired individually are 
subsequently assessed for impairment on a collective basis. Objective evidence of impairment for a portfolio of receivables could include  
the Group’s past experience of collecting payments, an increase in the number of delayed payments in the portfolio past the average  
credit period, as well as observable changes in national or local economic conditions that correlate with default on receivables.

A provision for impairment of trade receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all 
amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. The amount of the provision is the difference between the asset’s carrying 
amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the effective interest rate. The provision is determined by 
reference to previous experience of recoverability for receivables in each market in which the Group operates.

Impairment of financial assets
For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount of the impairment loss recognised is the difference between the asset’s carrying 
amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate.

The carrying amount of the financial asset is reduced by the impairment loss directly for all financial assets with the exception of trade 
receivables, where the carrying amount is reduced through the use of an allowance account. When a trade receivable is considered 
uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against 
the allowance account. Changes in the carrying amount of the allowance account are recognised in profit or loss.

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring 
after the impairment was recognised, the previously recognised impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss to the extent that the 
carrying amount of the investment at the date the impairment is reversed does not exceed what the amortised cost would have been had 
the impairment not been recognised.

Derecognition of financial assets
The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or when it transfers  
the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another entity. If the Group neither transfers nor 
retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership and continues to control the transferred asset, the Group recognises its retained 
interest in the asset and an associated liability for amounts it may have to pay. If the Group retains substantially all the risks and rewards  
of ownership of a transferred financial asset, the Group continues to recognise the financial asset and also recognises a collateralised 
borrowing for the proceeds received.

83

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
for year ended 31 December 2015

3.  Significant accounting policies continued
Financial liabilities and equity instruments
Classification as debt or equity
Debt and equity instruments are classified as either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance with the substance of the 
contractual arrangement.

Equity instruments
An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all of its liabilities. Equity 
instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss ‘FVTPL’ or ‘other financial liabilities’.

Derivatives that are not designated and effective as hedging instruments are classified as financial liabilities and are held at FVTPL. 
Derivatives held at FVTPL are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently 
remeasured to their fair value at the end of each reporting period with the resulting gain or loss recognised in profit or loss immediately.

Trade and other payables, bank borrowings, loan from related parties, due to related parties and other liabilities are classified as ‘other 
financial liabilities’. Other financial liabilities, including borrowings, are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs. Other financial 
liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognised on an 
effective yield basis, except for short-term payables or when the recognition of interest would be immaterial.

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over the 
relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments through the expected life of 
the financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

Derecognition of financial liabilities
The Group derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, the Group’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or they expire.

Derivative financial instruments
The Group enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to management its exposure to foreign exchange risk.

Derivatives that are not designated and effective as hedging instruments are classified as financial liabilities or financial assets and are  
held at FVTPL. Derivatives held at FVTPL are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are 
subsequently remeasured to their fair value at the end of each reporting period with the resulting gain or loss recognised in profit or loss 
immediately. All derivatives are carried at their fair values as assets where the fair values are positive and as liabilities where the fair values 
are negative. A derivative is presented as a non-current asset or a non-current liability if the remaining maturity of the instrument is more 
than 12 months and it is not expected to be realised or settled within 12 months. Other derivatives are presented as current assets or 
current liabilities.

Fair values of the derivatives are carried out by independent valuers by reference to quoted market prices, discounted cash flow models  
and recognised pricing models as appropriate. They represent Level 2 financial instruments under the IFRS hierarchy. Changes in the fair 
value of derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised in profit or loss as they arise. Derivative 
financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are classified as held for trading derivatives.

4.  Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, which are described in note 3, the Directors are required to make judgements, estimates 
and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and 
associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ 
from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the 
period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the 
revision affects both current and future periods.

The following are the critical judgements and key sources of estimation, which management have made in the process of applying the 
Group’s accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements:

Key sources of estimation uncertainty 
Useful lives and residual values of vessels
Management reviews the residual values and estimated useful lives of its vessels at the end of each annual reporting period in accordance 
with IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment. The residual values of vessels and related equipment are determined taking into consideration 
the expected scrap value of the vessels, which is calculated based on the weight and the market rate of steel at the time the asset is 
purchased. If the price per unit of steel at the balance sheet date varies significantly from that at the date of purchase, the residual value  
is reassessed to reflect changes in market value.

The estimated useful lives of vessels are between 25-35 years based on management’s best estimate, with the useful life of any given 
vessel dependent on factors such as the operating environment it is expected to work in (including water depth and prevailing weather 
conditions) and the condition of the vessel both at acquisition and at each balance sheet date.

84

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Management evaluate the carrying amounts of the Group’s vessels and vessels under construction to determine whether there is any 
indication that those vessels have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of vessels is estimated 
in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. As part of the process of assessing fair values less costs  
to sell of the vessel, management obtain vessel valuations from leading, independent and internationally recognised ship brokers on an annual 
basis or when there is an indication that the value of the vessel may be impaired. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are 
discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate of 11.5% that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money 
and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. The projection of cash flows related to 
vessels is complex and requires the use of various estimates including future day rates, vessel utilisation and discount rates. 

Impairment of accounts receivable
An estimate of the collectible amount of trade accounts receivable is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable.  
The Group reviews the ageing of trade receivables regularly and the need for allowances against doubtful debts is considered for trade 
receivables that are past due based on estimated irrecoverable amounts determined by reference to past default experience of the 
counterparty and an analysis of the counterparty’s current financial position. Any difference between the amounts actually collected  
in future periods and the amounts expected to be impaired will be recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.  
Further details in this area are provided in note 12.

Critical accounting judgements 
Capitalisation of vessel costs
Management exercises judgement in assessing the extent to which costs incurred in relation to its vessel fleet, including overheads, dry 
dock expenditure and finance charges, meet the criteria for capitalisation under IFRS. Judgement is also required in respect of the new build 
programme, in determining the date at which vessels under construction are ready for use at which point capitalisation of the majority of 
costs ceases and depreciation commences. Further details of expenditure incurred during the year is provided in note 9.

Leases
Management exercises judgements in assessing whether a lease is a finance lease or an operating lease. The judgement as to which 
category applies to a specific lease depends on management’s assessment of whether in substance the risks and rewards of ownership  
of the assets have been transferred to the lessee. In the instances where management estimates that the risks and rewards have been 
transferred, the lease is considered as a finance lease, otherwise it is accounted for as an operating lease. Further details in this area are 
provided in notes 32 and 33.

5.  Segment reporting 
Management have identified that the Directors and senior management team are the chief operating decision makers in accordance with 
the requirements of IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’. Segment performance is assessed based upon adjusted gross profit, which represents 
gross profit before depreciation and amortisation and loss on write off of assets. The reportable segments have been identified by 
management based on the size and type of asset in operation.

The operating and reportable segments of the Group are (i) Small Class vessels which includes the Naashi, Kamikaze, Kikuyu, Kawawa, 
Kudeta, Keloa, Kinoa and Pepper vessels (ii) Mid-Size Class vessels which includes the Shamal and Scirocco vessels, (iii) Large Class vessels 
which includes the Endeavour, Endurance and Enterprise vessels, and (iv) Other vessels, which includes two legacy non-SESV vessels and 
one accommodation barge (Khawla) which do not form part of the Small, Mid-Size or Large Class vessels segments.

All of these operating segments earn revenue related to the hiring of vessels and related services including charter hire income, messing 
and accommodation services, personnel hire and hire of equipment. The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as the 
Group’s accounting policies described in note 3. 

Revenue

Adjusted Gross Profit 

Small Class vessels
Mid-Size Class vessels
Large Class vessels
Other vessels

Total 

Less:
Depreciation charged to cost of sales
Amortisation charged to cost of sales

Gross profit 

General and Administrative expenses
Finance income
Finance expense
Other (loss)/income
Foreign exchange

Profit before taxation

2015
US$’000

 114,468 
 14,459 
 86,390 
 4,396

 219,713 

2014
US$’000

 104,424 
–
 79,351 
 12,779 

196,554

2015
US$’000

 82,667 
 10,120 
 64,646 
 880 

 158,313 

(22,467)
(3,624)

132,222

(20,875)
640
(34,134)
(740)
(32)

77,081

2014
US$’000

75,623 
–
 60,493 
 7,574 

143,690 

(15,973)
(1,257)

126,460

 (25,417)
843
(21,354)
245
(408)

80,369

85

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
for year ended 31 December 2015

5.  Segment reporting continued 
The total revenue from reportable segments which comprises the Small, Mid-Size and Large Class vessels is US$ 215.32 million  
(2014: US$ 183.77 million). The Other segment does not constitute a reportable segment per IFRS 8 Operating Segments.

Segment revenue reported above represents revenue generated from external customers. There were no inter-segment sales in 
the periods.

Segment assets and liabilities, including depreciation, amortisation and additions to non-current assets, are not reported to the chief 
operating decision makers on a segmental basis and are therefore not disclosed. 

Information about major customers
Certain customers individually accounted for greater than 10% of the Group’s revenue. During the year, 3 customers (2014: 3) accounted for 
more than 10% of the Group’s revenues. The related revenue figures for these major customers, the identity of which may vary by year, were 
US$ 47.07 million (2014: US$ 53.66 million), US$ 46.93 million (2014: US$ 42.19 million) and US$ 36.43 million (2014: US$ 21.25 million). The revenue 
from these customers is attributable to the Large Class vessels, Mid-Size Class vessels and Small Class vessels reportable segments.

Geographical segments 
Revenue by geographical segment is based on the geographical location of the customer as shown below.

United Arab Emirates
Rest of Middle East and North Africa

Total – Middle East and North Africa 
United Kingdom

Worldwide Total

6.  Presentation of adjusted results 
The following table provides a reconciliation between the Group’s adjusted and statutory financial results: 

2015
US$’000

129,320
29,238

158,558
61,155

219,713

2014
US$’000

 87,417 
38,491

125,908
70,646

 196,554 

Revenue
Cost of sales 
– Operating expenses
– Depreciation and amortisation 

Gross profit 
General and administrative
– Depreciation
– IPO related costs*
– Other administrative costs

Operating profit
Finance income
Finance expense
Expensing of refinancing costs**
Other income
Loss on sale of asset
Foreign exchange loss, net

Profit before taxation
Tax

Net profit

Profit attributable to 
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interest
Earnings per share
Supplementary non-statutory information
Operating profit
Add: Depreciation and amortisation charges
EBITDA 

Year ended 31 December 2015
Statutory
Adjusting
total
items
US$’000
US$’000

Adjusted
results
US$’000

Year ended 31 December 2014
Statutory
Adjusting
total
items
US$’000
US$’000

Adjusted
results
US$’000

 219,713 

(61,400)
 (26,091)

 132,222 

 (1,094)
 – 
 (19,781)

 111,347 
 640 
 (24,268)
 – 
 305 
 (1,045)
 (32)

 86,947 
 (2,058)

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 (9,866)
 – 
 – 
 – 

 (9,866)
 – 

 219,713 

196,554

 (61,400)
 (26,091)

(52,864)
(17,230)

 132,222 

126,460

 (1,094)
 – 
 (19,781)

 111,347 
 640 
 (24,268)
 (9,866)
 305 
 (1,045)
 (32)

 77,081 
 (2,058)

(887)
–
(18,844)

106,729
843
(21,354)
–
245
–
(408)

86,055
(4,744)

–

–
–

–

–
(5,686)
–

(5,686)
–
–
–
–
–
–

(5,686)
–

196,554

(52,864)
(17,230)

126,460

(887)
(5,686)
(18,844)

101,043
843
(21,354)
–
245
–
(408)

80,369
(4,744)

 84,889 

 (9,866)

 75,023 

81,311

(5,686)

75,625

 84,642 
 247 
 24.22 

 (9,866)
 – 
 (2.83)

 74,776 
 247 
 21.39 

80,751
560
23.81

111,347
27,185
 138,532 

 – 
 – 
 – 

 111,347 
 27,185 
 138,532 

106,729
18,117
124,846

(5,686)
–
(1.67)

(5,686)
–
(5,686)

75,065
560
22.14

101,043
18,117
119,160

IPO related costs, by their nature, are not considered part of the Group’s underlying business. Further details are given in note 7.

* 
**	 The	write-off	of	unamortised	loan	arrangement	fees	being	non-operational	in	nature	has	been	added	back	to	net	profit	to	arrive	at	Adjusted	Net	Profit	for	the year.

86

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015 
7.  General and administrative expenses
Transaction costs incurred during 2014 in relation to the completion of the Company’s Premium Listing on the London Stock Exchange 
totalled US$ 15.2 million. US$ 5.7 million has been charged to general and administrative expenses in the statement of comprehensive 
income, and US$ 9.5 million, attributable to the issue of new equity, has been deducted from the share premium account. The IPO costs  
of US$ 5.7 million includes US$ 1.4 million relating to the remaining 15% of the pre-IPO SARs scheme, further details of which are provided  
in note 36.

8.  Earnings per share 

Earnings for the purpose of basic and diluted earnings per share being profit for the period attributable  
to owners of the parent (US$’000)

Earnings for the purpose of adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share (US$’000) (see note 6)

Weighted average number of shares (‘000s)
Weighted average diluted number of shares in issue (‘000s)

Basic earnings per share (cents)
Diluted earnings per share (cents)
Adjusted earnings per share (cents) 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (cents) 

31 December
2015

31 December
2014

74,776

84,642

349,528
351,946

21.39
21.25
24.22
24.05

75,065

80,751

339,079
340,523

22.14
22.04
23.81
23.71

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company for the period (as disclosed in the 
income statement) by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

Adjusted earnings per share is calculated on the same basis but uses the earnings for the purpose of basic earnings per share (shown 
above) adjusted by adding back written off unamortised loan arrangement fees which have been charged to the income statement in the 
period (US$ 9.9 million). The adjusted earnings per share is presented as the Directors consider it provides an additional indication of the 
underlying performance of the Group.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company for the period by the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period, adjusted for the weighted average effect of share options outstanding during 
the period.

Adjusted diluted earnings per share is calculated on the same basis but uses adjusted profit (note 6) attributable to equity shareholders  
of the Company.

The following table shows a reconciliation between the basic and diluted weighted average number of shares:

Weighted average basic number of shares in issue
Effect of share options under LTIP schemes

Weighted average diluted number of shares in issue

 2015
’000s

349,528
2,418

351,946

2014
’000s

339,079
1,444

340,523

The impact of the share appreciation rights, disclosed in note 36, on dilutive earnings per share is not included in the calculation above as the 
number of shares that could be exercised is dependent on certain future events.

9.  Property, plant and equipment

Cost
Balance at 1 January 2014
Additions
Transfers
Disposals

Balance at 1 January 2015

Additions
Transfers
Disposals

Capital 
work-in-
progress 
US$’000

Land, 
 building 
and 
improvements
US$’000

Vessels
US$’000

Vessel 
Spares
US$’000

Others
US$’000

Total
US$’000

517,520
 1,675 
 96,023 
(50)

50,710
 136,607 
 (98,606)
–

6,361
–
1,039 
–

8,089
2,260 
505
(268)

3,706
176 
1,039 
(76) 

586,386
 140,718 
–
 (394)

 615,168 

 88,711 

 7,400 

 10,586 

 4,845 

 726,710 

 64,626 
 146,942 
 (635)

 139,197 
 (146,472)
–

 622 
 771 
 (74)

 861 
 (1,544)
 (14)

 56 
 303 
 (1,066)

 205,362 
–
 (1,789)

Balance at 31 December 2015

 826,101 

 81,436 

 8,719 

 9,889 

 4,138 

 930,283 

87

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
for year ended 31 December 2015

9.  Property, plant and equipment continued

Accumulated depreciation
Balance at 1 January 2014
Eliminated on disposal of assets
Depreciation expense

Balance at 1 January 2015

Eliminated on disposal of assets
Depreciation expense 

Balance at 31 December 2015

Carrying value
Balance at 31 December 2015

Balance at 31 December 2014

Capital 
work-in-
progress 
US$’000

Land, 
 building and  
improvements
US$’000

Vessel 
Spares
US$’000

Others
US$’000

Total
US$’000

–  
 – 
 – 

–

 – 
 – 

 – 

4,225
 – 
 199 

5,276
(268)
 815 

3,070

 (59) 
 414 

96,032
 (331)
 16,485 

4,424

5,823

3,425

112,186

 (74)
 300 

 (14)
 663 

 (1,076)
 602 

 (1,350)
 23,186 

4,650

6,472

2,951

134,022

Vessels
US$’000

83,461
 (4)
 15,057 

98,514

 (186)
 21,621 

119,949

 706,152 

 81,436 

 4,069 

 3,417 

 1,187 

 796,261 

516,654

88,711

2,976

4,763

1,420

614,524

The carrying amount of vessels held under finance leases is US$ 100.2 million (2014: US$ 91.4 million). During the year the Group purchased 
the formerly leased vessel Keloa for US$ 37.5 million and also entered into a new finance lease for the vessel Pepper with the related 
addition of US$ 53.0 million (note 32).

Depreciation amounting to US$ 22.47 million (2014: US$ 15.97 million) has been allocated to cost of sales. The balance of the depreciation for 
the year is charged to administrative expenses.

Included in additions to the vessels under construction is US$ 5.8 million (2014: US$ 3.4 million) in respect of capitalised borrowing costs.  
The capitalisation rate used to determine this figure was 5.56% (2014: 5.65%) based on specific borrowing rates.

Certain vessels, with a total net book value of US$ 465.2 million (2014: US$ 337.5 million), have been mortgaged as security for the loans 
extended by the Group’s bankers (note 20).

10.  Intangible assets

Cost

Accumulated amortisation
Balance at 1 January 2014
Amortisation expense

Balance at 1 January 2015
Amortisation expense

Balance at 31 December 2015

Carrying value 
at 31 December 2015

at 31 December 2014

Customer 
relationships
US$’000

7,337

6,212
375

6,587
375

6,962

375

750

Total
US$’000

7,337

6,212
375

6,587
375

6,962

375

750

The intangible assets were acquired as part of the acquisition of Gulf Marine Services WLL and Offshore Holding Investment Group (OHI) 
in 2007.	Amortisation	of	intangibles	amounting	to	US$	0.4 million	(2014:	US$	0.4	million)	has	been	allocated	to	general	and	
administrative expenses.

11.  Dry docking expenditure
The movement in dry docking expenditure is summarised as follows:

At 1 January
Expenditure incurred during the year
Disposals
Amortised during the year

At 31 December

Amortisation for the year has been charged to cost of sales.

88

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

 4,177 
 7,320 
(1,363)
 (3,624)

6,510

778
4,656 
–
 (1,257)

 4,177 

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 201512 .  Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Accrued income
Prepayments and deposits*
Advances to suppliers
Other receivables
Due from related parties (see note 28) 

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

54,700
 503 
 3,918 
 540 
 145 
 70 

36,754
5,099
6,923
644
185
343

59,876

49,948

*  Prepayments and deposits include guarantee deposits and pledged deposits of US$ 0.77 million (2014: US$ 0.82 million). Guarantee deposits are paid by the Group for employee work 

visas under UAE labour laws. These deposits become refundable to the Group upon the cancellation of an employee’s work visa. Work visas are not granted indefinitely in the UAE and 
as such these deposits which are currently held by the government in the UAE are refundable to the Group. These work visa deposits amounted to US$ 0.73 million (2014: US$ 0.48 
million). Pledged deposits represent an amount set aside as a guarantee for a loan repayment amounting to US$ 0.04 million (2014: US$ 0.34 million). The Group has no right to access 
or utilise the proceeds set-aside as pledged deposits, other than for repayment of the underlying loan. 

Trade receivables, amounting to US$ 34.0 million (2014: US$ 26.2 million), have been assigned as security against the loans extended by the 
Group’s bankers (note 20).

Trade receivables and other receivables disclosed above are classified as loans and receivables and are therefore measured at amortised 
cost. Trade and other receivables are all current and the Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables is 
approximately equal to their fair value due to the very short time between inception and maturity (based on level 2 fair value measurements 
as defined by the fair value hierarchy according to IFRS 13). 

The normal credit period granted to customers is 30-45 days (2014: 60 days). Before accepting any new customer the Group assesses  
the potential credit quality of the customer. The Group has policies in place to ensure that credit sales are rendered to customers with an 
appropriate credit history.

The Group reviews the ageing of trade receivables regularly and the need for allowances against doubtful debts is considered for trade 
receivables over 60 days based on estimated irrecoverable amounts determined by reference to past default experience of the 
counterparty and an analysis of the counterparty’s current financial position.

The Group does not hold any collateral or other credit enhancements over any of its trade receivables nor does it have a legal right of offset 
against any amounts owed by the Group to the counterparty.

The movement in the allowance for doubtful receivables during the year was as follows:

At 1 January
Provision during the year
Recovery
Write-off 

At 31 December 

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

1,383
614
(925)
(1,072)

–

105
1,278
–
–

1,383 

Included in the Group’s trade receivable balance are debtors with a carrying amount of US$ 9.98 million (2014: US$ 7.59 million) which are  
past due at the reporting date but for which the Group has not provided as there has not been a significant change in credit quality and  
the	amounts	are	still	considered	recoverable.	The	average	age	of	these	receivables	is 72 days	(2014:	71	days).

In determining the recoverability of a trade receivable, the Group considers any change in the credit quality of the trade receivable from  
the date credit was initially granted up to the reporting date. Trade receivables are considered past due once they have passed their 
contracted due date.

Several customers account for a significant portion of the total trade receivables balance (see revenue by segment information in  
note 5); however, credit risk is considered to be limited due to historical performance and ongoing assessments of customer credit  
and liquidity positions. 

Ageing of past due but not impaired

Past due for 30 to 60 days
Past due for 60 to 90 days
Past due for 90 to 120 days
Past due for more than 120 days

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

 1,856
2,543
 3,722
1,858

9,979

 4,132 
 1,456 
 179 
 1,828 

7,595 

The amounts past due for more than 120 days at the end of 2015 primarily relate to retention amounts withheld by the Saudi Arabian 
customers amounting to US$ 1.86 million in accordance with Saudi Arabian withholding tax regulations.

89

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
for year ended 31 December 2015

13.  Cash and cash equivalents 

Interest bearing

Held in UAE banks
Non-interest bearing
Held in UAE banks
Held in banks outside UAE

Total cash at bank and in hand

Presented as:
Restricted cash included in trade and other receivables (note 12)
Cash and cash equivalents

Total

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

35,922

 36,702 

5,323
20,357

61,602

 5,325 
 18,325 

 60,352 

768
60,834

820
 59,532 

61,602

 60,352 

The carrying value of these cash assets is approximately equal to their fair value due to the liquid nature of the asset. These represent 
level 1	fair	value	measurements	as	defined	by	the	fair	value	hierarchy	according	to	IFRS	13.

14 . Share capital
The Company was incorporated on 24 January 2014 with a share capital of 300 million shares at a par value of £1 each. On 5 February 2014, 
as part of a Group restructuring, the Company undertook a capital reduction by solvency statement, in accordance with s643 of the 
Companies Act 2006. Accordingly, the nominal value of the authorised and issued ordinary shares was reduced from £1 to 10p. 

On 19 March 2014, the Company completed its initial public offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange. A total of 49,527,804 shares with  
a par value of 10 pence per share were issued at a price of 135 pence (US$ 2.24) per share. 

The movement in issued share capital and share premium is provided below. 

The share capital of Gulf Marine Services PLC as at 31 December 2015 was as follows:

Authorised Share Capital
Issued and fully paid

Issued share capital and share premium movement for the year ended 31 December 2015:

At 1 January 2015
Share issue costs 

At 31 December 2015

Number 
of ordinary 
shares
’000s

Ordinary 
shares
 US$’000

Total 
US$’000

349,528
349,528

57,929
57,929

57,929
57,929

Number  
of ordinary 
shares
’000s

Ordinary 
shares
US$’000

Share 
premium 
US$’000

Total 
US$’000

349,528
–

57,929
–

93,247
(172)

151,176
(172)

349,528

57,929

93,075

151,004

15.  Group restructuring reserve 
The group restructuring reserve arises on consolidation under the pooling of interests (merger accounting) method used for the group 
restructuring. Under this method, the Group is treated as a continuation of GMS Global Commercial Investments LLC (the predecessor 
parent company) and its subsidiaries. At the date the Company became the new parent company of the Group via a share-for-share 
exchange, the difference between the share capital of GMS Global Commercial Investments LLC and the Company, amounting to  
US$ 49.71 million, was recorded in the books of Gulf Marine Services PLC as a group restructuring reserve. This reserve is non-distributable.

16.  Share option reserve
Share option reserve of US$ 1.4 million (2014: US$ 0.56 million) relates to awards granted to employees under the long-term incentive plan 
(note 37). The charge is included in general and administrative expenses in the statement of comprehensive income. 

90

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015 
17.   Capital contribution 
As part of the Group restructuring which took place in 2014 (note 3) the pre-IPO Shareholders resolved to transfer a capital contribution 
balance of US$ 70.75 million to retained earnings.

The movement in capital contribution reserve is as follows:

Balance as on 1 January 2015
Share appreciation rights 
Movement during the period
Provision for Share appreciation rights 

At 31 December 2015

Balance as on 1 January 2014
Capital contribution from a Shareholder(i)
Share appreciation rights(ii)

Movement during the period
Transfer to Retained Earnings
Provision for Share appreciation rights(ii)

At 31 December 2014

2015
US$’000

9,177

–

9,177

2014
US$’000

70,750
7,777

78,527

(70,750)
1,400

9,177

(i)  The capital contribution balance represents the net assets transferred by Bridge Capital L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary of Gulf Capital PJSC, to the Company for no consideration. 

This transfer took place on 17 July 2007. Effective 30 June 2014, the shareholders passed a resolution to transfer US$ 70.8 million to retained earnings.

(ii)  During 2013 US$ 7.8 million was transferred from share appreciation rights payable to capital contribution as, effective 1 January 2013, the shareholders have assumed the 

obligation to settle the share appreciation rights. This balance is not available for distribution. An additional charge in respect of this scheme of US$ 1.4 million was made in 2014.  
See note 36 for further details.

18.  Restricted reserve
Restricted reserve represents the statutory reserve of certain subsidiaries. As required by the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 10% of 
profit for the year is transferred to the statutory reserve until the reserve equals 50% of the share capital. This reserve is not available for 
distribution. No amounts were transferred to this reserve during any of the years shown.

19.  Reserves
The Group’s Statement of Changes in Equity is disclosed as a part of primary statements on pages 72 to 75. Below is a description of the 
nature and purpose of the individual reserves:

•  Share capital represents the nominal value of shares issued (note 14).
•  Share premium account includes the amounts paid over nominal value in respect of share issued, net of related costs (note 14).
•  Restricted reserves include certain reserves maintained by subsidiaries in compliance with the relevant Companies Law applicable 

(note 18).

•  Capital Contributions represent certain contributions made by shareholder for nil consideration (note 17).
•  Group restructuring reserve arose on consolidation under the pooling of interests (merger accounting) method used for group 

restructuring (note 15).

•  The Company’s Share option reserve represents the cumulative share-based payment charged to reserves (note 16).
•  Foreign currency translation reserves represents differences on foreign currency net investments arising from the re-translation  

of the net investments in overseas subsidiaries.

•  Retained profits include the accumulated realised and certain unrealised gains and losses made by the Company and the Group.

20.  Bank borrowings
Secured borrowings at amortised cost

Working capital facility
Term loans 

Less: Unamortised issue costs

2015
US$’000

–
375,000

2014
US$’000

20,000
240,500

375,000
(9,884)

260,500
(11,344)

365,116

249,156

91

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
for year ended 31 December 2015

20.  Bank borrowings continued
Bank borrowings are presented in the consolidated statement of financial position as follows:

Non-current portion 
Current portion 

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

347,253
17,863

225,741
23,415

365,116

249,156

In December 2015, the bank facility which was restructured in February 2014 with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (see below), was refinanced 
resulting in amendments to some of the key terms of the loan as follows: 

•  The bank facility is repayable in 2021 (previous facility: 2019);
•  The term loan facility to fund capital expenditure was increased from US$ 110 million to US$ 175 million. The entire loan facility remained 

undrawn during the year and is available for draw down until November 2017;

•  The working capital facility was increased to US$ 50 million (previous facility: US$ 40 million);
•  The facility remains secured by mortgages over certain Group vessels, with a net book value at year end of US$ 465.2 million 

(2014: US$ 337.5	million).

31 December 2015:
Term loan 
Working capital facility
Capex facility
Unamortised issue costs

31 December 2014:
Term loan – Syndicated Ijara facility
Working capital facility
Term loan
Unamortised issue costs

Outstanding amount

Current
US$’000

Non-
current
US$’000

Total
US$’000

Unused 
facility
US$’000

18,750
–
–
(887)

356,250
–
–
(8,997)

375,000
–
–
(9,884)

–
 50,000
175,000
–

17,863

347,253

365,116

225,000

Security

Maturity

Secured November 2021
Secured November 2021
Secured November 2021

26,000
–
–
(2,585)

214,500
20,000
–
(8,759)

240,500
20,000
–
(11,344)

–
20,000
110,000
–

23,415

225,741

249,156

130,000

Secured September 2019
Secured September 2019
Secured September 2019

21.  Taxation
Tax is calculated at the rates prevailing in the respective jurisdictions in which the Group operates. The overall effective rate is the aggregate 
of taxes paid in jurisdictions where income is subject to tax (being principally Qatar, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia), 
divided by the Group’s profit.

Profit from continuing operations before tax

Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 20.25% (2014: 21.5%)
Effect of lower tax rates in overseas jurisdictions

Total tax charge

Split between:
Adjustment in respect of prior years
Current tax
Deferred tax

Tax charge per financial statements

Effective tax rate on continuing operations

 2015
 US$’000

 2014
 US$’000

77,081 

80,369

15,609
(13,551)

 17,279 
 (12,535)

2,058

4,744

–
2,050
8

2,058

3%

386
4,358 
–

4,744 

6%

During the year tax on profits and withholding taxes of the Group from operations were 10% in Qatar (2014: 10%) and 20.25% in the United 
Kingdom (2014: 21.5%). The Group incurred 5% withholding taxes on revenue (2014: 5%) and 2.5% Zakat tax on profit from operations in 
Saudi Arabia. The withholding tax included in the current tax charge amounted to US$ 1.0 million (2014: US$ 1.3 million). 

The Group expects the overall effective tax rate in the future to vary according to local tax law changes in jurisdictions which incur taxes,  
as well as any changes to the share of the Group profits which arise in tax paying jurisdictions. 

At the balance sheet date, the group has unused tax losses of US$ 6.74 million (2014: US$ 5.07 million) available for offset against future 
profits. No deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of this as it is not considered probable that there will be future taxable profits 
available. Tax losses may be carried forward indefinitely.

92

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 201522.  Provision for employees’ end of service benefits
In accordance with UAE Labour Law the Group is required to provide for end of service benefits for certain employees. The movement in the 
provision for employees’ end of service benefits during the year was as follows:

At the beginning of the year
Provided during the year
Paid during the year

At the end of the year

23.  Trade and other payables

Trade payables
Accrued expenses
Deferred revenue
VAT and other taxes payable
Other payables 

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

2,468
1,181
(258)

3,391

1,910
701
 (143)

 2,468 

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

 6,912 
22,527 
 2,965 
 1,311 
168 

 13,109 
 14,984 
–
 1,636 
 391 

 33,883 

30,120

The	average	credit	period	on	purchases	is 90 days	(2014:	90).	The	Group	has	financial	risk	management	policies	in	place	to	ensure	that	all	
payables are paid within the credit timeframe. No interest is payable on the outstanding balances.

Trade and other payables are all current and the Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables is approximately 
equal to their fair value due to the short time between inception and maturity. These represent level 2 fair value measurements as defined 
by the fair value hierarchy according to IFRS 13.

24.  Revenue
The following is an analysis of the Group’s revenue for the year.

Charter hire
Mobilisation and demobilisation
Messing and accommodation
Maintenance
Sundry and equipment hire income

Further descriptions on the above types of revenue have been provided in note 3.

25.  Finance expenses

Interest on bank borrowings 
Interest on finance leases
Interest on loan from related parties
Write-off of unamortised loan arrangement fees*
Amortisation of issue costs and commitment fees
Fair value loss on derivative financial instrument

Finance expense
Less: Amounts included in the cost of qualifying assets

* Triggered by the loan refinancing in December 2015 (see note 20).

26.  Finance income

Bank and other income

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

199,999
3,566
14,335
1,608
205

 182,566 
 1,274 
 12,247 
 332 
 135 

219,713

 196,554 

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

13,945
11,966
–
9,866
4,158
27

39,962
(5,828)

 12,252 
 10,280 
 382 
 – 
 1,816 
61

24,791
 (3,437)

34,134

21,354

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

640

640

843

843

93

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
for year ended 31 December 2015

27 .  Profit for the year
The profit for the year is stated after charging/(crediting):

Total staff costs (see below)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
Amortisation of dry docking expenditure
Amortisation of intangibles
Provision for/(reversal of) doubtful debts
Fair value loss on derivative financial instrument
Foreign exchange loss, net
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Operating leases rentals 
Auditor’s remuneration

The average number of full time equivalent employees (including executive directors) by geographic area was:

Middle East and Northern Africa
Rest of the world

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

Wages and salaries
Employment taxes 
End of service benefit (note 22)
Share based payments (note 37)

The analysis of the auditor’s remuneration is as follows:

Group audit fees
Subsidiary audit fees

Total audit fees

Other assurance services including interim review fees
Corporate finance services
Other services

Total non-audit fees

Total fees

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

 42,861 
 23,186 
 3,624 
 375 
(311) 
27 
32
1,045
389 
368 

 34,313 
 16,485 
 1,257 
 375 
1,278 
61 
408
38
374 
1,166 

2015
Number

2014
Number

 611 
 81 

 692 

499
74

573

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

 40,668 
 166 
 1,181 
846

 32,879 
 170 
 701 
 563 

42,861

34,313

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

224
39

263

105
–
–

105

368

245
–

245

 153
640
128 

921

1,166

Corporate finance services represent services provided as reporting accountants during the Company’s listing on the London Stock 
Exchange and form part of the listing costs described in note 7.

For further information on the Group’s policy in respect of Auditor’s remuneration see page 47 of the Report of the Audit and 
Risk Committee.

94

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 201528.  Related party transactions
Related parties comprise the Group’s major shareholders, Directors and entities related to them, companies under common ownership  
and/or common management and control, their partners and key management personnel. Pricing policies and terms of related party 
transactions are approved by the Group’s Board.

Balances and transactions between and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not 
disclosed in this note.

Trading transactions
The following balances were outstanding at the end of the reporting period:

Amounts owed by related parties (see note 12):
Partner in relation to Saudi Operations
Shareholders

Term loans due to Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (included in borrowings note 20)
Bank balances deposited with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

–
70

70

80,000
1,533

273
70

343

80,000
26,479

Key management personnel:
In 2014, as part of the IPO, the Directors of the Company acquired 616,415 shares in the Company at the IPO strike price of 135 pence  
(US$ 2.24) per share for a total amount of US$ 1.38 million. During the year, one of the Directors purchased 290 shares at the price of  
99 pence (US$ 1.64) per share for a total amount of US$ 0.48 thousand. As at 31 December 2015, there were 616,705 total number of  
shares held by Directors.

Certain members of key management personnel received share awards during 2014 with an associated fair value of US$ 19.48 million,  
under the terms of the Group’s share appreciation rights (“SARs”) scheme set up prior to the IPO. On 1 January 2013, the obligation under 
the scheme, of which 85% had vested at 31 December 2013, were assumed by the pre-IPO shareholders of the Company and were settled  
by them during the current period as cash of US$ 9.74 million and via the award of 4,348,475 shares at the IPO strike price of 135p per share. 
There is an additional 15% SARs award which will become due at the earlier of a substantial exit of the pre-IPO shareholders and an agreed 
lock up period, and is dependent on achieving an expected market rate of return. In 2014 a full provision of US$ 1.4 million was made in 
respect of the remaining 15% of unvested SAR.

Transactions with related parties included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income are as follows:

Interest expense on loans from related parties 

2015
US$’000

398 

2014
US$’000

382

Related parties
The Group’s principal subsidiaries are outlined in note 3. The related parties comprising of the Group’s major shareholders are 
outlined below.

Major shareholders

Ownership interest 

Green Investment Commercial Investments LLC

Horizon Energy LLC

50.05%

6.05%

Al Ain Capital LLC (formerly Al Bateen Investment Company LLC) 

6.05%

Partner in relation to Saudi Operations

Relationship

Abdulla Fouad Energy Services Company

Minority shareholder in GMS Saudi Arabia Ltd.

Other related parties

Gulf Capital PJSC (Gulf Capital)

GC Equity Partners Fund 
II, L.P. (“GC Equity Partners II”)

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

Relationship

100% shareholding in Green Investment Commercial Investments LLC.
Advises funds that hold shares in the Group. 

An institutional fund sponsored and managed by Gulf Capital.  
The ultimate controlling party of Gulf Capital.

8.16% Shareholding in Gulf Capital.

95

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
for year ended 31 December 2015

28.  Related party transactions continued
Compensation of key management personnel
The remuneration of Directors and other members of key management personnel during the year were as follows:

Short-term benefits
End of service benefits
Share based payments (LTIPs)1
Dividends paid

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

2,962 
129 
370
4

3,465

3,073
128
323
4

3,528

1. 

In addition to the LTIP charge, there was a non-recurring charge in 2014 in relation to the SARS scheme, of which US$ 1.4 million related to key management personnel.

Compensation of key management personnel represents the charge to the income statement in respect of the remuneration of the 
executive and non executive Directors and certain members of the senior management team.

29.  Net cash flow from operating activities

Operating activities
Profit for the year before taxation
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangibles
Amortisation of dry docking expenditure
End of service benefit charge
End of service benefits paid
Provision for doubtful debts
Recovery of doubtful debts
Fair value loss on derivative financial instrument
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Share appreciation rights expense
Share options rights charge
Interest income
Interest expense
Write-off of unamortised loan arrangement fees
Other income
Amortisation of issue costs

Cash flow from operating activities before movement in working capital
Increase in trade and other receivables
Increase in trade and other payables

Cash generated from operations
Taxation paid

Net cash generated from operating activities

2015 
US$’000

2014 
US$’000

77,081

80,369

23,186
375
3,624
1,181
(258)
614
(925)
27
1,045
–
846
(640)
21,452
7,743
(305)
2,516

137,562
(9,669)
718

128,611
(3,651)

124,960

16,485
375
1,257
701
(143)
1,278
–
61
38
1,400
562
(843)
19,475
–
(284)
1,816

122,547
(6,665)
8,087

123,969
(3,616)

120,353

30.  Contingent liabilities
At 31 December 2015, the bankers of Gulf Marine Services FZE, one of the subsidiaries of the Group, had issued bid bonds, performance 
bonds and labour guarantees amounting to US$ 0.77 million (2014: US$ 0.82 million) all of which were counter-indemnified by other 
subsidiaries of the Group.

31.  Commitments
Capital commitments

Contractual capital commitments

2015
US$’000

32,802

2014
US$’000

52,793

Capital commitments comprise mainly of capital expenditure, which has been contractually agreed with suppliers for future periods for new 
build vessels or the refurbishment of existing vessels.

96

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 201532.  Obligations under finance leases
During the year, the Group entered into a new finance lease for the vessel Pepper 4501 (2014: Keloa 4306 and Kinoa 4307) which was initially 
recorded at fair value at the inception of the lease for US$ 53 million (2014: US$ 50 million each of Keloa 4306 and Kinoa 4307). The lease term  
is five years. During the year the Group purchased outright the Keloa 4306 and terminated the related lease for no material gain or loss. 

The Group’s future minimum lease payments under financing leases are as follows:

Within one year
In the second to fifth year

Less: future finance charges

Minimum lease payments
2014

2015

63,257
42,578

105,835
(11,232)

94,603

49,228
50,326

99,554
(15,603)

83,951

Present value of minimum 
lease payments 

2015

55,026
39,577

94,603
–

94,603

2014

41,478
42,473

83,951
–

83,951

The Group has the option to purchase the vessels at expiry of the lease period. The fair value of the Group’s lease obligations is approximately 
equal to their carrying amount. The fair values of the financial lease obligations were determined in accordance with generally accepted pricing 
models based on a discounted cash flow analysis, using appropriate market interest rates. These represent level 3 value measurements as 
defined by the fair value hierarchy according to IFRS 13.

33.  Obligations under operating leases
Operating lease rental payments represent rentals payable by the Group for certain properties. 

Lease payments under operating leases recognised as expense during the year

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

389

389

374

374

At the balance sheet date, the Group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating 
leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
In the second to fifth year

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

2,526
4,201

6,727

374
374

748

Operating leases are negotiated for an average term of three and five years for our UAE and UK offices, respectively and accordingly, rental 
costs are fixed for an average term of three and five years. 

34.  Non-controlling interests
The movement in non-controlling interests is summarised as follows:

At 1 January
Share of profit for the year
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Acquisition of interest in joint venture

At 31 December

2015 
US$’000

2014 
US$’000

610 
247 
–
(229)

628

1,328
560 
(1,278)
–

 610 

97

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTION 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
for year ended 31 December 2015

35.  Financial instruments
Categories of financial instruments

Financial assets
Loans and receivables:
– Cash and cash equivalents at amortised cost
– Trade receivables and other debtors at amortised cost

Total financial assets

Financial liabilities
Amortised cost:
– Trade and other payables
– Bank borrowings (non-current)
– Obligations under a finance lease (non-current)
– Bank borrowings (current)
– Obligations under a finance lease (current)

Total financial liabilities

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

 60,834 
56,186

117,020

29,607
 347,253 
 39,577 
17,863
55,026

489,326

59,532
43,201

102,733

28,484
225,741
42,473
23,415
41,478

361,591

Capital risk management
The Group manages its capital to ensure its ability to continue as a going concern while maximising the return on equity. The Group does not 
have a formalised optimal target capital structure or target ratios in connection with its capital risk management objectives. The Group’s 
overall strategy in this regard remains unchanged throughout the years ended 31 December 2015 and 2014.

Significant accounting policies
Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement and the 
basis on which income and expenses are recognised, in respect of each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are 
disclosed in note 3 to the financial statements.

Financial risk management objectives
The Group is exposed to the following risks related to financial instruments – credit risk, liquidity risk, cash flow, interest rate risk and foreign 
currency risk. The management actively monitors and manages these financial risks relating to the Group.

Credit risk management
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counter party will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group, and  
arises principally from the Group’s trade and other receivables and bank balances. The Group has adopted a policy of only dealing with 
creditworthy counterparties which have been determined based on credit checks and other financial analysis, such that significant revenue 
is generated by dealing with high profile well known customers, for whom the credit risk is assessed to be low. The Group attempts to 
control credit risk by monitoring credit exposures, limiting transactions with specific non-related counterparties, and continually assessing 
the creditworthiness of such non-related counterparties. Cash balances held with banks are assessed to have low credit risk of default since 
these banks are highly regulated by the central banks of the respective countries.

Concentration of credit risk arise when a number of counterparties are engaged in similar business activities, or activities in the same 
geographic region, or have similar economic features that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected 
by changes in economic, political or other conditions. Concentration of credit risk indicates the relative sensitivity of the Group’s performance 
to developments affecting a particular industry or geographic location. During the year, vessels were chartered to four Middle East and  
five international oil companies. At 31 December 2015, these nine companies accounted for 96% (2014: 87%) of the outstanding trade 
receivables. The credit risk on liquid funds is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit ratings assigned by  
international agencies.

The amount that best represents maximum credit risk exposure on financial assets at the end of the reporting period, in the event 
counterparties failing to perform their obligations generally approximates their carrying value. Trade and other receivables and balances 
with banks are not secured by any collateral.

Foreign currency risk management
The majority of the Group’s transactions are denominated in UAE Dirhams, Euros and US Dollars. As the UAE Dirham and the Saudi Riyal is 
pegged to the US Dollar, balances in UAE Dirham and Saudi Riyals are not considered to represent significant currency risk. Transactions in 
other foreign currencies entered into by the Group are short-term in nature and therefore management considers that the currency risk 
associated with these transactions is limited and consequently this risk is typically not hedged, other than in relation to significant foreign 
currency capital expenditure programmes.

98

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015The carrying amounts of the Group’s significant foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities at the reporting date are 
as follows:

UAE Dirhams
Saudi Riyals
Pound Sterling
Euro
Singapore Dollar
Norwegian Krone
Others 

Liabilities 
31 December
2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

Assets 
31 December
2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

2,378
24
292
331
– 
20
19

3,064

2,925
28
1,060
4,015
20
26
39

8,113

48,899
2,409
11,006
2,244
5
–
–

64,563

24,801
5,864
9,021
4,182
–
–
–

43,868

At 31 December 2015, if the exchange rate of the currencies other than the UAE Dirham and Saudi Riyal had increased/decreased by 10% 
against the US Dollar, with all other variables held constant. The Group’s profit for the period would have been lower/higher by US$ 1.3 
million (2014: lower/higher by US$ 0.8 million) mainly as a result of foreign exchange loss or gain on translation of Euro and Pound Sterling 
denominated balances.

Interest rate risk management
The Group is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk on its bank borrowings which are subject to floating interest rates.

The sensitivity analyses below have been determined based on the exposure to interest rates for non-derivative instruments at the end  
of the reporting period. For floating rate liabilities, the analysis is prepared assuming the amount of liability outstanding at the end of the 
reporting period was outstanding for the whole year. A 50 basis point increase or decrease is used when reporting interest rate risk 
internally to key management personnel and represents management’s assessment of the reasonably possible change in interest rates.

If interest rates had been 50 basis points higher/lower and all other variables were held constant, the Group’s profit for the year ended 
31 December 2015 would decrease/increase by US$ 1.8 million (2014: decrease/increase US$: 1.2 million). This is mainly attributable to the 
Group’s exposure to interest rates on its variable rate borrowings.

Liquidity risk management
Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the Board of Directors, which has built an appropriate liquidity risk 
management framework for the management of the Group’s short, medium and long-term funding and liquidity management requirements. 
The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and 
matching the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities.

The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Group’s financial liabilities. The contractual maturities of the Group’s financial liabilities 
have been determined on the basis of the remaining period at the end of the reporting period to the contractual maturity date. The maturity 
profile is monitored by management to ensure adequate liquidity is maintained. The maturity profile of the assets and liabilities at the end of 
the reporting period based on contractual repayment arrangements was as follows:

31 December 2015
Non-interest bearing financial assets
Interest bearing financial assets

Non-interest bearing financial liabilities
Interest bearing financial liabilities

31 December 2014
Non-interest bearing financial assets
Interest bearing financial assets

Non-interest bearing financial liabilities
Interest bearing financial liabilities

Interest
rate

4%

3-14.7%

4%

4.1-12%

1 to 3
months
US$

 80,330 
 35,922 

116,252

 29,607 
 5,409 

 35,016 

65,211
36,702

101,913

28,484
39,515

67,999

4 to 12 
months
US$

 768 
 – 

768

 – 
 67,480 

 67,480 

820
–

820

–
25,378

25,378

Management believe that the difference between fair value and carrying value is negligible.

2 to 5 years
US$

After 5 years
US$

 – 
 – 

–

 – 
 – 

–

 – 
 221,777 

 221,777 

 – 
 165,053 

 165,053 

–
–

–

–
268,214

268,214 

–
–

–

–
–

– 

99

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
for year ended 31 December 2015

36.  Share appreciation rights
Share appreciation rights were granted to key management employees prior to the IPO which vested in instalments over a fixed service 
period upon the achievement of performance conditions by the Group, and which were payable upon an exit event, being defined as an 
employee being a good-leaver, an initial public offering or a sale of the business to a third party. Half of the share appreciation rights had  
a fixed service period and did not require the employee to be employed when an exit event occurred; the balance required the employee  
to be employed at the time that the exit event occurred.

The pre-IPO shareholders entered into an agreement, effective from 1 January 2013, whereby the shareholders agreed to assume the  
share appreciation rights obligation due to key management employees under the scheme. This represented a modification of the scheme, 
effective from the date of agreement, such that from this date it represented an equity settled compensation arrangement for the Group 
and a capital contribution of US$ 7.8 million from the shareholders. There will be no remaining charge to the Group in future periods in 
relation to the 85% of the scheme which has vested.

During the year 2014, a full provision for SARs payable of US$ 1.4 million was made in respect of the remaining 15% of unvested share 
appreciation rights which will vest if certain conditions on exit are met.

No further share appreciation rights were granted in 2014 or 2015.

37.  Long term incentive plans
During the prior year, the Group put in place Long Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs), performance shares and share options which were granted 
to senior management, managers and senior offshore officers. The details of the senior management LTIP are contained in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 50 to 60. The release of these shares is conditional upon continued employment, certain market vesting 
conditions and in the case of senior management LTIP awards; performance against three-year target EPS compound annual growth rates. 
Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant. The fair value determined, using the Binomial 
Probability Model together with Monte Carlo simulations, at the grant date of equity-settled share-based payments, is expensed on a 
straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on an estimate of the number of shares that will ultimately vest. The fair value of each 
award is determined by taking into account the market performance condition, the term of the award, the share price at grant date, the 
expected price volatility of the underlying share and the risk-free interest rate for the term of the award.

Non-market vesting conditions, which for the Group mainly relate to the continual employment of the employee during the vesting period, 
and in the case of the senior management LTIP awards the achievement of EPS growth targets, are taken into account by adjusting the 
number of equity instruments expected to vest at each balance sheet date so that, ultimately, the cumulative amount recognised over the 
vesting period is based on the number of options that eventually vest. Any market vesting conditions are factored into the fair value of  
the options granted.

To the extent that share options are granted to employees of the Group’s subsidiaries without charge, the share option charge is capitalised 
as part of the cost of investment in subsidiaries.

The number of share awards made by the Group during the year is given in the table below together with their weighted average fair value 
(‘WAFV’) and weighted average grant price (‘WAGP’). The exercise price of the share awards is nil (2014: nil). No share awards vested or 
lapsed in the year.

Scheme

2015 LTIPs – Senior 
Management
2015 LTIPs – Managers 
and Senior Officers

WAFV
US$

WAGP
US$

Expiry 
date

Number 
of options 
vested 

2015
Number 
of options 
unvested 

Number 
of options 
vested 

2014
Number 
of options 
unvested 

Total 
outstanding

Total 
outstanding

1.71

1.50

2.00 March 2018

– 1,626,299 

 1,626,299 

2.00 March 2018

–

1,025,725 

 1,025,725 

–

–

825,252

825,252

796,637

796,637

Outlined below is a summary of the assumptions which have been used to determine the fair value of the share awards:

Grant date
Share price
Exercise price
Expected volatility
Risk-free rate
Expected dividend yield 
Vesting period
Award life
Market performance condition

LTIP

LTIP

LTIP

25 March 2015
£1.31 
£0.00
34% 
1.008% 
1.5% 
3 years
3 years
37.9%

30 June 2014
£1.5500
£0.00
46.7% 
1.9945%
1.0% 
3 years
3 years
41.5%

8 May 2014
£1.6175 
£0.00
46.7% 
1.8836% 
1.0% 
3 years
3 years
41.1%

The expected Gulf Marine Services PLC share price volatility was determined taking into account the average of the volatility of two 
comparable companies at each of the grant dates.

100

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015The risk free return was determined from similarly dated zero coupon UK government bonds at the time the share awards were granted, 
using historical information taken from the Bank of England’s records.

The charge arising from share-based payments is disclosed in note 16.

38.  Dividends

Dividends declared and paid during the year
Interim Dividend for 2014: 0.41 pence per share
Final Dividend for 2014: 1.06 pence per share
Interim Dividend for 2015: 0.41 pence per share

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

–
5,624
2,207

7,831

2,412
–
–

2,412

A final dividend in respect of the year ended 31 December 2015 of 1.2 pence per ordinary share is to be proposed at the AGM. These financial 
statements do not reflect this final dividend.

39.  Events after the reporting period
The following event occurred after the reporting period:

On 16 March 2016, the Group completed the transaction to purchase the leased vessel Pepper for US$ 51.0 million. The transaction was 
funded by available cash and a drawdown from the Group’s working capital facility of US$ 25.0 million. 

101

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONCOMPANY BALANCE SHEET 
as at 31 December 2015

Fixed assets
Investments 

Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities 

Net assets

Capital and reserves
Called-up share capital
Share premium account
Share option reserve
Profit and loss account 

Shareholders’ funds

As at 
31 December  
2015
US$’000

As at 
31 December  
2014
US$’000

Notes

5

6

7

8

8

8

8

573,546

517,546

736
8,996

9,732

(1,139)

8,593

582,139

582,139

57,929
93,075
1,409
429,726

582,139

57,750
16,619

74,369

(276)

74,093

591,639

591,639

57,929
93,247
563
439,900

591,639

The financial statements of Gulf Marine Services PLC (registered number 08860816) were approved by the Board of Directors and 
authorised for issue on 21 March 2016. 

Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors 

Duncan Anderson   
Chief Executive Officer 

John Brown 
Chief Financial Officer 

102

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015 
 
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
for year ended 31 December 2015

Called-up 
share 
capital
US$’000

Share 
premium 
account
US$’000

Share option 
reserve
US$’000

Profit and 
loss account
US$’000

Balance at beginning of year

Issue of new shares upon incorporation
Capital reduction
Issue of new shares – IPO
Share issue costs 
Share options rights charge
Loss for the period 
Interim Dividend declared

Balance at 31 December 2014

Share issue costs 
Share options rights charge
Loss for the period
Dividends declared

At 31 December 2015

–

497,100
(447,390)
8,219
–
–
–
–

57,929

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
102,702
(9,455)
–
–
–

93,247

(172)
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
563
–
–

563

–
846
–
–

Total
US$’000

–

497,100
–
110,921
(9,455)
563
(5,078)
(2,412)

–

–
447,390
–
–
–
(5,078)
(2,412)

439,900

591,639

–
–
(2,343)
(7,831)

(172)
846
(2,343)
(7,831)

57,929

93,075

1,409

429,726

582,139

103

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONCOMPANY CASH FLOW STATEMENT 
for year ended 31 December 2015

Net cash flow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Acquisition of subsidiary
Net cash outflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of new ordinary shares
Transaction costs from issue of ordinary shares
Adjustment for changes in working capital:
Increase in intercompany receivables
Increase in intercompany payables
Increase in other receivables
Increase in other payables
Dividends paid
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities 

Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

Year ended 
31 December 
2015
US$’000

Period ended 
31 December 
2014
US$’000

(1,388)

(5,078)

Notes

10

–
–

–
(172)

 986 
 782 
–
–
(7,831)
(6,235)

(7,623)
16,619

–

8,996

(19,883)
(19,883)

110,921
(9,455)

(57,710)
167
(40)
109
(2,412)
41,580

16,619
–

–

16,619

104

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
for year ended 31 December 2015

1.  Corporate information 
Gulf Marine Services PLC is a private limited company incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act. On 7 February 2014,  
the Company re-registered as a public limited company. The address of the registered office of the Company is 1st Floor, 40 Dukes Place, 
London EC3A 7NH. The registered number of the Company is 08860816.

The Company is the parent company of the Gulf Marine Service Group comprising of Gulf Marine Services PLC and its underlying 
subsidiaries. The consolidated group accounts are publicly available. 

These separate financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors of Gulf Marine Services PLC  
(“the Company”) on 21 March 2016.

2.  Accounting policies
Currency 
The functional and presentational currency of the Company is United States Dollars. 

Going concern
The Company’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development and position, are set out in the Directors’ 
Report and Strategic Report.

The Company participates in the Group’s centralised treasury arrangements and so shares banking arrangements with its underlying subsidiaries.

After making enquiries and on the basis of their assessment of the Group’s financial position, the Company’s Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they have 
adopted the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. 

Basis of accounting 
The separate financial statements of the Company are presented as required by the Companies Act 2006. They have been prepared under 
the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value, and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS 
102) issued by the Financial Reporting Council. The comparative period results have been restated as a result of adopting FRS 102, however 
there has been no quantitative effect of such restatement.

The Company has elected to take the exemption under Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 (the ‘Act’) to not present the Company 
Income Statement nor the Company Statement of Comprehensive Income. The result for the Company for the year was a loss of 
US$ 2.3 million	(2014:	loss	of	US$	5.1	million).	

We propose to adopt the disclosure exemptions for qualifying entities under FRS 102 in the company’s annual accounts for the year ending 
31 December 2016 and until further notice and to take advantage of all the applicable disclosure reductions available under that standard.  
If you object to the use of any of these disclosure exemptions, please notify us in writing by 30 April 2016. If we do not receive notification 
from you by this date, we shall assume that you have no objection.

The principal accounting policies are summarised below. They have all been applied consistently throughout the year.

Investments
Fixed asset investments in subsidiaries and associates are recognised at deemed cost, which is the previous GAAP carrying value at the 
transition date, less impairment.

Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Company’s balance sheet when the Company becomes a party to the 
contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss (“FVTPL”) or “other financial liabilities”.

Trade and other payables, loans from related parties and other liabilities are classified as ‘‘other financial liabilities’’. Other financial liabilities, 
are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs. Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using  
the effective interest method, with interest expense recognised on an effective yield basis, except for short-term payables or when the 
recognition of interest would be immaterial.

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over the 
relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments through the expected life of 
the financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

Derecognition of financial liabilities
The Company derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, the Company’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or they expire.

Equity instruments
An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Company after deducting all of its liabilities. 
Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

105

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONNOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
for year ended 31 December 2015

2.  Accounting policies (continued)
Financial assets
All financial assets are recognised and derecognised on a trade date basis where the purchase or sale of a financial asset is under a contract 
whose terms require delivery of the asset within the timeframe established by the market concerned. They are initially measured at fair 
value, plus transaction costs, except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through the profit and loss account, which are 
initially measured at fair value. 

Financial assets are classified into the following specified categories: financial assets ‘at fair value through profit or loss’ (FVTPL), ‘held-to-
maturity’ investments, ‘available-for-sale’ (AFS) financial assets and ‘loans and receivables’. The classification depends on the nature and 
purpose of the financial assets and is determined at the time of initial recognition.

Loans and receivables
Loans, and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market are classified as ‘loans  
and receivables’. Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment. Interest 
income is recognised by applying the effective interest rate method, except for short-term receivables when the recognition of interest 
would be immaterial.

Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at each balance sheet date. Financial assets are impaired where there is objective 
evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash 
flows of the investment have been affected.

Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand comprise cash balances and call deposits. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand form an integral part  
of the Company’s cash management and are included as a component of cash at bank and in hand for the purpose of the statement of  
cash flows.

Taxation
Current tax, including UK Corporation tax, is provided at amounts expected to be paid (or recovered) using the tax rates and laws that have 
been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where 
transactions or events that result in an obligation to pay more tax in the future or a right to pay less tax in the future have occurred at  
the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is measured on a non-discounted basis. Timing differences are differences between the Company’s 
taxable profits and its results as stated in the financial statements that arise from the inclusion of gains and losses in tax assessment 
periods different from those in which they are recognised in the financial statements.

Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that, on the basis of all available evidence, it can  
be regarded as more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing 
differences can be deducted.

Deferred tax is measured using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date that are 
expected to apply to the reversal of the timing difference. 

Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded using the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and 
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the contracted rate or the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet  
date and the gains or losses on translation are included in the profit and loss account.

Share based payments
The fair value of an equity instrument is determined at the grant date based on market prices if available, taking into account the terms  
and conditions upon which those equity instruments were granted. If market prices are not available for share awards, the fair value of the 
equity instruments is estimated using a valuation technique to derive an estimate of what the price of those equity instruments would have 
been at the relevant measurement date in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties. 

Equity-settled share based payments to employees are measured at the fair value of the instruments, using a binomial model together with 
Monte Carlo simulations as at the grant date, and is expensed over the vesting period. The value of the expense is dependent upon certain 
key assumptions including the expected future volatility of the Group’s share price at the date of grant. The fair value measurement reflects 
all market based vesting conditions. Service and non-market performance conditions are taken into account in determining the number  
of rights that are expected to vest. The impact of the revision of the original estimates, if any, is recognised in profit or loss such that the 
cumulative expense reflects the revised estimate, with a corresponding adjustment to equity reserves.

106

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015 
3.  Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the Company’s accounting policies, which are described in note 2, the directors are required to make judgements, 
estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The 
estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual 
results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the 
period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the 
revision affects both current and future periods.

The following are the critical judgements and key sources of estimations which management have made in the process of applying the 
Company’s accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements:

Key sources of estimation uncertainty 
Impairment of accounts receivable
An estimate of the collectible amount of trade accounts receivable is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable. For 
individually significant amounts, this estimation is performed on an individual basis. Amounts which are not individually significant, but which 
are past due, are assessed collectively and a provision is applied according to the length of time past due and based on historical recovery 
rates. Any difference between the amounts actually collected in future periods and the amounts expected to be impaired will be recognised 
in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

Critical accounting judgements 
Recoverability of investments
Investments in subsidiary undertakings are included in the balance sheet of the Company at deemed cost less any provision for impairment. 
The Company performs impairment reviews in respect of fixed asset investments whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate 
that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised when the recoverable amount of an asset, which is the 
higher of the asset’s net realisable value and its value in use, is less than its carrying amount. 

4. Dividends on equity shares

Dividends declared and paid during the year
Interim Dividend for 2014
Final Dividend for 2014
Interim Dividend for 2015

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

–
5,624
2,207

7,831

2,412
–
–

2,412

A final dividend in respect of the year ended 31 December 2015 of 1.20 pence ( 1.74 cents) per ordinary share is to be proposed at the AGM. 
These financial statements do not reflect this final dividend.

5.  Fixed asset investments

Opening balance
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Other non-cash investment
Share options issued to employees of subsidiary entities

2015
US$’000

517,546
–
56,000
–

573,546

2014
US$’000

–
516,983
–
563

517,546

As part of a Group restructuring in 2015, GMS Jersey Holdco 2 Limited issued two shares to the Company in exchange for the assignment of 
an outstanding intercompany receivable balance due from Gulf Marine Services WLL of US$ 56.0 million. No cash was exchanged during the 
course of this transaction.

107

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONNOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
for year ended 31 December 2015

5.  Fixed asset investments continued
The Company has investments in the following subsidiaries. 

Proportion of  
Ownership Interest

Name

Gulf Marine Services W.L.L.
Offshore Holding Invt SA
Offshore Logistics Invt SA
Offshore Accommodation Invt. SA
Offshore Jack-up Invt SA
Offshore Craft Invt SA
Offshore Structure Invt SA
Offshore Maritime Invt SA
Offshore Tugboat Invt SA
Offshore Boat Invt SA
Offshore Kudeta Invt SA
GMS Endurance Invt SA
Mena Marine Limited
Gulf Marine Services (UK) Limited
Gulf Marine Services Saudi Arabia Limited
Gulf Marine Services (Asia) Pte. Ltd.
GMS Enterprise Investment SA
GMS Sharqi Investment SA
GMS Scirocco Investment SA
GMS Shamal Investment SA
GMS Jersey Holdco. 1+
GMS Jersey Holdco. 2
GMS FZE
GMS Global
GMS Keloa Invt SA

+ Held directly by Gulf Marine Services PLC.

Place of Registration

Abu Dhabi
Panama
Panama
Panama
Panama
Panama
Panama
Panama
Panama
Panama
Panama
Panama
Cayman Islands
United Kingdom
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Panama
Panama
Panama
Panama
Jersey
Jersey
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates
Panama

6.  Debtors amounts falling due within one year

Amounts owed by Group undertakings
Other receivables

2015

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
75%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

2014

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
60%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
–
–
–
–
–

Type of Activity

Marine Contractors
Holding Company
Owner of Barge “Naashi” 
Owner of “Khawla 181”
Owner of Barge “Kamikaze”
Owner of Barge “GMS Endeavour”
Owner of Barge “Kikuyu”
Owner of “Helios”
Owner of “Atlas”
Owner of Barge “Kawawa”
Owner of Barge “Kudeta”
Owner of Barge “Endurance”
General investment and trading
Operator of offshore barges
Operator of offshore barges
Operator of offshore barges
Owner of Barge “Enterprise”
Owner of Barge “Sharqi”
Owner of Barge “Scirocco”
Owner of Barge “Shamal”
General Investment
General Investment
Operator of Offshore Barges
General Investment
Owner of Barge “Keloa”

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

724
12

736

57,710
40

57,750

Debtors amounts falling due within one year are all current and the Directors consider that the carrying amount of debtors is approximately 
equal to their fair value due to the very short time between inception and maturity. During the period the company incurred a tax loss of 
US$ 1.67 million upon which no deferred tax asset is recognised.

7.  Creditors amounts falling due within one year

Amounts owed to Group undertakings
Other creditors

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

949
190

1,139

167
109

276

Creditors are all current and the Directors consider that the carrying amount of creditors is approximately equal to their fair value due to the 
short time between inception and maturity.

108

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015 
8. Called-up share capital and reserves
The share capital as at 31 December 2015 was as follows:

Allotted, called-up and fully paid 349,527,804 shares of 10 pence each 

The Company has one class of ordinary shares which carry no right to fixed income.

The share premium reserve contains the premium arising on issue of equity shares, net of related costs.

2015
US$’000

57,929

2014
US$’000

57,929

The Company’s share option reserve for the period of US$ 1.41 million (2014: US$ 0.56 million) relates to awards granted to employees of  
a subsidiary undertaking under a long-term incentive plan, details of which are provided in note 11. The charge to the Income Statement in 
2015 for the awards was US$ 0.85 million (2014: nil).

The profit and loss account represents cumulative profits or losses net of dividends paid and other adjustments.

Balance as at 1 January 2014
Issue of new shares upon incorporation
Capital reduction
Issue of new shares – IPO
Share issue costs 
Balance as at 31 December 2014

Share issue costs 

Balance as at 31 December 2015

Number 
of shares

–
300,000,000
–
49,527,804
–
349,527,804

Ordinary 
shares
US$’000

–
497,100
(447,390)
8,219
–
57,929

–

–

Share
premium
US$’000

–
–
–
102,702
(9,455)
93,247

(172)

Total
US$’000

–
497,100
(447,390)
110,921
(9,455)
151,176

(172)

349,527,804

57,929

93,075

151,004

9.  Related party transactions
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption from disclosing related party transactions with other wholly owned group companies 
as afforded by paragraph 33.1A of FRS 102. The Company and all companies with whom related party transactions took place in the period 
are wholly owned group companies, the consolidated accounts of which are publicly available.

Remuneration of key management personnel during the year comprised short-term benefits of US$ 920,190 (2014: US$ 743,646).

10.  Cash flow statement

Operating loss
Adjustment for:
Investment income
Share based payment expense 
Operating cash outflow before movement of working capital

Decrease in other receivables
Increase in other payables

Net cash outflow from operating activities

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

(2,343)

(5,092)

–
846
(1,497)

28
81

14
–
(5,078)

–
–

(1,388)

(5,078)

109

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTION 
NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
for year ended 31 December 2015

11.  Long term incentive plans
During the prior year, the Group put in place Long Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs), performance shares and share options which were granted 
to senior management, managers and senior offshore officers. The details of the senior management LTIP are contained in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 50 to 60. The release of these shares is conditional upon continued employment, certain market vesting 
conditions and in the case of senior management LTIP awards; performance against three-year target EPS compound annual growth rates. 
Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant. The fair value determined, using the Binomial 
Probability Model together with Monte Carlo simulations, at the grant date of equity-settled share-based payments, is expensed on a 
straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on an estimate of the number of shares that will ultimately vest. The fair value of each 
award is determined by taking into account the market performance condition, the term of the award, the share price at grant date, the 
expected price volatility of the underlying share and the risk-free interest rate for the term of the award. 

Non-market vesting conditions, which for the Group mainly relate to the continual employment of the employee during the vesting period, 
and in the case of the senior management LTIP awards the achievement of EPS growth targets, are taken into account by adjusting the 
number of equity instruments expected to vest at each balance sheet date so that, ultimately, the cumulative amount recognised over the 
vesting period is based on the number of options that eventually vest. Any market vesting conditions are factored into the fair value of the 
options granted.

To the extent that share options are granted to employees of the Group’s subsidiaries without charge, the share option charge is capitalised 
as part of the cost of investment in subsidiaries.

The number of share awards made by the Group during the year is given in the table below together with their weighted average fair value 
(‘WAFV’) and weighted average grant price (‘WAGP’). The exercise price of the share awards is nil (2014: nil). No share awards vested or 
lapsed in the year.

Scheme

2015 LTIPs – Senior 
Management

2015 LTIPs – Managers and 
Senior Officers

WAFV
US$

WAGP
US$

Expiry 
date

Number 
of 
options 
vested 

2015
Number 
of 
options 
unvested 

Total 
Out-
standing

Number 
of 
options 
vested 

2014
Number 
of 
options 
unvested 

Total 
Out-
standing

1.71

2.00 March 2018

– 1,626,299 

 1,626,299 

1.50

2.00 March 2018

–

1,025,725 

 1,025,725 

–

–

825,252

825,252

796,637

796,637

Outlined below is a summary of the assumptions which have been used to determine the fair value of the share awards:

Grant date
Share price

Exercise price

Expected volatility

Risk-free rate

Expected dividend yield 

Vesting period

Award life

Market performance condition

LTIP

LTIP

LTIP

25 March 2015
£1.31 

30 June 2014
£1.5500

8 May 2014
£1.6175 

£0.00

34% 

£0.00

46.7% 

£0.00

46.7% 

1.008% 

1.9945%

1.8836% 

1.5% 

1.0% 

1.0% 

3 years

3 years

37.9%

3 years

3 years

41.5%

3 years

3 years

41.1%

The expected Gulf Marine Services PLC share price volatility was determined taking into account the average of the volatility of two 
comparable companies at each of the grant dates.

The risk free return was determined from similarly dated zero coupon UK government bonds at the time the share awards were granted, 
using historical information taken from the Bank of England’s records. The charge arising from share-based payments is disclosed in note 8.

110

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015 
12.  Financial instruments
Capital risk management
The Company manages its capital to ensure that it will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising the return to stakeholders.

The capital structure of the Company consists of cash and short-term deposits and equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, 
comprising issued capital, reserves and loss for the period as disclosed in note 8. 

The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.

Significant accounting policies
Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted (including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement and the 
bases for recognition of income and expenses) for each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are disclosed in the 
accounting policies to the financial statements.

Categories of financial instruments

Financial assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Loans and receivables 

Financial liabilities

Amortised cost

All financial liabilities are repayable upon demand. 

The Group’s income, expense, gains and losses in respect of financial instruments are summarised below:

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

8,996
736

16,619
57,710

1,139

276

2015
US$’000

2014
US$’000

Interest income and expense

Total interest income for financial assets at amortised cost

–

14

Financial risk management objectives and policies
The Company is exposed to the following risks related to financial instruments–credit risk, cash flow and liquidity risk, foreign currency risk 
and interest rate risk. The management actively monitors and manages these financial risks relating to the Company.

Credit risk management
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counter party will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Company, and 
arises principally from the Company’s trade and other receivables. The Company has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy 
counterparties, for whom the credit risk is assessed to be low. The Company attempts to control credit risk by monitoring credit exposures, 
limiting transactions with specific non-related counter-parties, and continually assessing the creditworthiness of such non-related counter-
parties. Balances with banks are assessed to have low credit risk of default since these banks are highly regulated by the central banks of 
the respective countries. 

The amount that best represents maximum credit risk exposure on financial assets at the end of the reporting period, in the event counter 
parties failing to perform their obligations generally approximates their carrying value. Trade and other receivables are not secured by  
any collateral.

The Company’s principal financial assets are bank balances, and intercompany and other receivables. The Company’s main credit risk is 
primarily attributable to its key intercompany receivables. The Company has no other significant concentration of credit risk. An allowance 
for impairment is made where there is an identified loss event which, based on previous experience, is evidence for a reduction in the 
recoverability of the cash flows.

Cash flow and liquidity risk
The Company is not exposed to any significant cash flow or liquidity risk. The Company currently has sufficient cash to fund its activities. 
However, in the event that additional liquidity is required for ongoing operations and future developments, the Company has access to 
additional funding from other Group entities which it controls. 

Foreign currency risk management
The majority of the Company’s transactions are in either UAE Dirhams or US Dollars. Transactions in other foreign currencies entered into 
by the Company are short term in nature and therefore management considers that the currency risk associated with these transactions is 
limited and consequently this risk is not hedged.

Interest rate risk management
The Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities are interest-free; accordingly the Company is not subject to any interest rate risk.

Fair value of financial assets and liabilities
The Company’s management considers that the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities approximates their carrying amounts.

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GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTION 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Notice of AGM 
Glossary 
Corporate Information 

114
120
IBC

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GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015113

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONNOTICE OF AGM

Important information: This document is important and requires your immediate attention. If you are in any doubt as to any  
aspect of the proposals referred to in this document or as to the action you should take, you should seek your own advice from a 
stockbroker, solicitor, accountant, or other independent professional adviser immediately. If you have sold or otherwise transferred 
all of your shares, please pass this document together with the accompanying documents to the purchaser or transferee, or to the 
person who arranged the sale or transfer so they can pass these documents to the person who now holds the shares.

NOTICE OF AGM
Notice is hereby given that the second annual general meeting (the “AGM”) of Gulf Marine Services PLC (the “Company”) will be held on 
Wednesday 11 May 2016 at 11.30am (UK time) at Linklaters LLP, One Silk Street, London EC2Y 8HQ, United Kingdom to transact the business 
set out in the resolutions below. 

Resolutions 1 to 13 (inclusive) will be proposed as ordinary resolutions; this means that for each of those resolutions to be passed, more 
than half of the votes cast must be in favour. Resolutions 14 to 16 (inclusive) will be proposed as special resolutions; this means that for  
each of those resolutions to be passed, at least three-quarters of the votes cast must be in favour.

Voting on all resolutions will be by way of a poll. The Company believes this will result in a more accurate reflection of the views of 
shareholders by ensuring that every vote is recognised, including the votes of all shareholders who are unable to attend the meeting  
but who have appointed a proxy for the meeting. Shareholders have one vote for each ordinary share held when voting on a poll.

Ordinary Resolutions
Report and Accounts
1.  To receive the Company’s annual accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2015 together with the Directors’ reports and the 

auditor’s report on those accounts (the “2015 Annual Report and Accounts”). 

Final Dividend
2.  To declare a final dividend of 1.20 pence per ordinary share for the year ended 31 December 2015, to be paid to ordinary shareholders  

on the register of members at 6.00pm BST on 15 April 2016.

Directors’ Remuneration Report
3.  To approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report set out on pages 50 to 60 of the 2015 Annual Report and Accounts. 

Re-Election of Directors
4.  To re-elect Simon Heale as a director.
5.  To re-elect Duncan Anderson as a director.
6.  To re-elect Simon Batey as a director.
7.  To re-elect Richard Dallas as a director.
8.  To re-elect Richard Anderson as a director. 
9.  To re-elect Dr Karim El Solh as a director.
10. To re-elect Mike Straughen as a director.

Re-appointment of Auditor
11.  To re-appoint Deloitte LLP as auditor of the Company, to hold office from the conclusion of this meeting until the conclusion of the next 

general meeting at which accounts are laid before the Company.

Auditor’s Remuneration
12. To authorise the Audit and Risk Committee to determine the remuneration of the auditor on behalf of the board of directors.

Authority to allot ordinary shares
13. To authorise the directors generally and unconditionally, in accordance with section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”), to 

exercise all the powers of the Company to allot shares in the Company or grant rights to subscribe for, or convert any security into, 
shares of the Company: 

a.  up to a maximum aggregate nominal amount of £11,650,927; and 
b.  comprising equity securities (as defined in section 560(1) of the Act) of the Company up to a further nominal amount of £11,650,927  

in connection with an offer by way of a rights issue. 

  These authorities shall apply in substitution for all previous authorities pursuant to section 551 of the Act and expire on the date of  
the next AGM or on 30 June 2017, whichever is the earlier, but in each case the Company may, before such expiry, make an offer or 
agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the directors may allot equity securities 
under any such offer or agreement as if the authority conferred by this resolution had not expired.

For the purposes of this resolution, “rights issue” means an offer to: 

•  ordinary shareholders in proportion (as nearly as may be practicable) to their existing holdings; and
•  people who are holders of other equity securities if this is required by the rights of those securities or as the directors otherwise 

consider necessary, 

to subscribe further securities, subject in both cases to such exclusions or other arrangements as the directors may consider necessary 
or expedient in relation to treasury shares, fractional entitlements, record dates or legal, regulatory or practical problems in, or under the 
laws of, any territory.

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GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015 
 
Special Resolutions
Authority to disapply pre-emption rights
14. Subject to the passing of resolution 13, to empower the directors generally in accordance with section 570 of the Act to allot equity 

securities (as defined in section 560(1) of the Act) for cash: 

a.  pursuant to the authority given by paragraph (a) of resolution 13 or where the allotment constitutes an allotment of equity securities 

by virtue of section 560(3) of the Act in each case:

i. 

in connection with a pre-emptive offer; and

ii.  otherwise than in connection with a pre-emptive offer, up to an aggregate nominal amount of £1,747,639; and 

b.  pursuant to the authority given by paragraph (b) of resolution 13 in connection with a rights issue, as if section 561(1) of the Act did 

not apply to any such allotment.

  This power shall expire on the date of the next AGM of the Company or on 30 June 2017, whichever is the earlier, save that the Company 
may, before such expiry make an offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry  
and the directors may allot equity securities under any such offer or agreement as if the authority conferred by this resolution had  
not expired.

For the purposes of this resolution:

i. 

“rights issue” has the same meaning as in resolution 13;

ii.  “pre-emptive offer” means an offer of equity securities open for acceptance for a period fixed by the directors to (a) holders (other 
than the Company) on the register on a record date fixed by the directors of ordinary shares in proportion to their respective 
holdings and (b) other persons so entitled by virtue of the rights attaching to any other equity securities held by them, but subject 
in both cases to such exclusions or other arrangements as the directors may deem necessary or expedient in relation to treasury 
shares, fractional entitlements, record dates or legal, regulatory or practical problems in, or under the laws of, any territory;

iii.  references to an allotment of equity securities shall include a sale of treasury shares; and

iv.  the nominal amount of any securities shall be taken to be, in the case of rights to subscribe for, or convert any securities into, 

shares of the Company, the nominal amount of such shares which may be allotted pursuant to such rights.

Purchase of own shares
15. To authorise the Company generally and unconditionally for the purpose of section 701 of the Act to make market purchases (within  

the meaning of section 693(4) of the Act) of ordinary shares of 10 pence each in the capital of the Company, provided that:

a.  the maximum number of ordinary shares which may be purchased is 34,952,780;

b.  the minimum price, exclusive of any expenses, which may be paid for each ordinary share is 10 pence; and

c.  the maximum price, exclusive of any expenses, which may be paid for each ordinary share is an amount equal to the higher of:

i.  105% of the average closing price of an ordinary share, as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for the five 

business days prior to the day on which the purchase is made; and 

ii.  an amount equal to the higher of the price of the last independent trade of an ordinary share and the highest current independent 

bid for an ordinary share as stipulated by Article 5(1) of the Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2273/2003 (relating to buy-back 
programmes and stabilisation of financial instruments). 

  This authority shall expire on the date of the next AGM of the Company or on 30 June 2017, whichever is the earlier, save that the 

Company may, before such expiry, enter into a contract to purchase ordinary shares which will or may be executed wholly or partly  
after the expiry of such authority. 

Notice of general meetings, other than AGMs
16. That a general meeting, other than an AGM, may be called on not less than 14 clear days’ notice.

By order of the Board

John Brown 
Company Secretary
21 March 2016

Gulf Marine Services PLC 
1st Floor, 40 Dukes Place, London EC3A 7NH

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GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTION 
NOTICE OF AGM continued

EXPLANATION OF RESOLUTIONS 
Resolution 1 – To receive the Report and Accounts
The directors are required to present the Company’s audited accounts, Directors’ reports and auditor’s report to the meeting. These are 
contained in the 2015 Annual Report and Accounts.

Resolution 2 – To declare a final dividend 
The board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) proposes a final dividend of 1.20 pence per share for the year ended 31 December 
2015. If approved, the recommended final dividend will be paid on 16 May 2016 to all ordinary shareholders on the register of members  
at 6.00pm on 15 April 2016. The shares will be marked ex-dividend on 14 April 2016.

Resolution 3 – To approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report 
This resolution deals with the remuneration paid to the directors during the year under review. Shareholders are invited to vote on the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report, which appears on pages 50 to 60 in the 2015 Annual Report and Accounts (excluding the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy). Resolution 3 is an advisory vote.

The Company does not intend at this AGM to move a resolution to approve the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, which appears on pages 50 
to 60 of the 2015 Annual Report and Accounts. The Directors’ Remuneration Policy was approved by shareholders at the previous AGM of 
the Company held on 6 May 2015. The Company will comply with its legal obligation to prepare and submit for shareholder vote a Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy no less frequently than every three years. 

Resolutions 4 to 10 – Re-election of Directors
In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code and consistent with relevant institutional voting guidance, all directors of the 
Company wishing to continue their appointments will seek re-election by shareholders at the AGM. 

No independent non-executive director seeking re-election at the AGM has any existing or previous relationship with the Company, nor with 
any controlling shareholder of the Company or any associate of a controlling shareholder of the Company within the meaning of Listing Rule 
13.8.17R(1). In considering the independence of the non-executive directors, the Board has taken into account the UK Corporate Governance 
Code. The Board continues to consider Simon Batey, Richard Anderson and Mike Straughen to be independent non-executive directors in 
accordance with provision B.1.1 of the UK Corporate Governance Code. 

In accordance with the Listing Rules, Richard Dallas and Dr Karim El Solh are classed as representatives of a “controlling shareholder” of Gulf 
Marine Services PLC and not considered to be independent non-executive directors. The Company entered into a Relationship Agreement 
with its “controlling shareholders” effective 14 March 2014 in accordance with Listing Rule 9.2.2AR(2)(a), which serves to ensure that the 
controlling shareholders and their representatives (including Richard Dallas and Dr Karim El Solh) comply with the independence provisions 
outlined in Listing Rule 6.1.4DR. 

The Listing Rules also require that independent non-executive directors be elected by a majority of votes cast by independent shareholders 
in addition to a majority of votes cast by all shareholders in the Company. Therefore, the resolutions for the election of the independent 
non-executive directors (resolutions 6, 8 and 10) will be taken on a poll and the votes cast by independent shareholders and all shareholders 
will be calculated separately. Such resolutions will be passed only if a majority of votes cast by independent shareholders are in favour,  
in addition to a majority of votes cast by all shareholders being in favour.

Full biographies of all the directors are set out in the 2015 Annual Report and Accounts and are also available for viewing on the Company’s 
website (http://www.gmsuae.com). Following a formal Board evaluation process and recommendation from the Nomination Committee,  
the Board is satisfied that each of the directors continues to be effective and demonstrates a commitment to the role and that each of the 
directors continues to be able to dedicate sufficient time to their duties. The Board believes that its composition continues to include an 
appropriate balance of skills and provides effective leadership for the Company. 

Christopher Foll, an alternate director for Richard Dallas and Dr Karim El Solh, will continue that appointment beyond the AGM without 
seeking re-election by shareholders. If neither of the resolutions to re-elect Richard Dallas and Dr Karin El Solh are passed by shareholders 
at the AGM, the alternate directorship will immediately cease. 

Resolution 11 – To re-appoint Deloitte LLP as auditor of the Company, to hold office until the conclusion of the next general meeting  
at which accounts are laid before the Company
At each meeting at which the Company’s accounts are presented to its members, the Company is required to appoint an auditor to serve 
until the next such meeting. The Board, on the recommendation of its Audit and Risk Committee, recommends the re-appointment of 
Deloitte LLP as auditor.

Resolution 12 – To authorise the directors to determine the remuneration of Deloitte LLP
This resolution gives authority to the Audit and Risk Committee to determine the auditor’s remuneration.

Resolution 13 – To authorise the directors to allot ordinary shares
The authority in paragraph (a) of this resolution, if passed, would provide the directors with a general authority to allot new shares and 
grant rights to subscribe for, or convert other securities into, shares up to a nominal amount of £11,650,927, which is equal to approximately 
33% of the issued share capital of the Company as at 21 March 2016, being the last practicable date before the publication of this Notice. 

Paragraph (b) under resolution 13 will grant the directors additional authority to allot 116,509,268 new shares and grant rights to subscribe 
for, or convert other securities into, shares in connection with a rights issue up to a further nominal amount of, which is equal to 
approximately 33% of the issued share capital of the Company as at 21 March 2016. 

116

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015When taken together, the authorities proposed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this resolution extend (before any reduction) to approximately 
two thirds of the current issued share capital of the Company as at 21 March 2016, being the last practicable date before the publication of 
this Notice. 

The resolution would give the Board the maximum flexibility permitted by investor guidelines to respond to market developments. There 
are no current plans to allot shares except in connection with the Company’s employee share schemes but the Board will keep the matter 
under review. 

This authority will expire at the earlier of 30 June 2017 and the conclusion of the Company’s next AGM. It is the intention of the directors  
to seek the annual renewal of each aforementioned authority.

Resolution 14 – To authorise the directors to disapply pre-emption rights
This resolution would, if passed, allow the directors to allot shares or sell treasury shares for cash (other than in connection with an 
employee share scheme), without having to offer such shares to existing shareholders in proportion to their own holdings (known as 
pre-emption rights).

The purpose of paragraph (a) of resolution 14 is to authorise the directors to allot new shares pursuant to the authority given by paragraph 
(a) of resolution 14, or sell treasury shares, for cash (I) in connection with a pre-emptive offer or rights issue or (II) otherwise up to a nominal 
value of £1,747,639, equivalent to approximately 5% of the total issued ordinary share capital of the Company as at 21 March 2016, in each 
case without the shares first being offered to existing shareholders in proportion to their existing holdings.

The purpose of paragraph (b) of resolution 14 is to authorise the directors to allot new shares pursuant to the authority given by  
paragraph (b) of resolution 14, or sell treasury shares, for cash in connection with a rights issue without the shares first being offered to 
existing shareholders in proportion to their existing holdings. This is consistent with current corporate governance guidelines applicable  
to UK listed companies.

It is the directors’ intention not to allot shares on a non pre-emptive basis (other than pursuant to a rights issue or pre-emptive offer) in 
excess of an amount equal to 7.5% of the total issued share capital of the Company over a three year rolling period, without prior 
consultation with shareholders.

This authority will expire at the earlier of 30 June 2017 or the conclusion of the Company’s next AGM. It is the intention of the directors  
to seek to renew this authority every year.

Resolution 15 – To authorise the Company to make market purchases of its own shares
This resolution would, if passed, authorise the Company to make market purchases of up to 34,952,780 of its own ordinary shares, 
representing just under 10% of the Company’s issued share capital as at 21 March 2016. The resolution specifies the minimum and maximum 
prices at which the ordinary shares may be bought under this authority. 

This authority will expire at the conclusion of the Company’s next AGM. It is the intention of the directors to seek to renew this authority 
every year.

The directors have no present intention of exercising this authority granted by this resolution, but the authority provides the flexibility to 
allow them to do so in future. The directors would not exercise the authority unless they believed that the expected effect would promote 
the success of the Company for the benefit of its shareholders as a whole. Any shares purchased would be effected by a purchase in the 
market and may either be cancelled or held as treasury shares, which may then be cancelled, sold for cash or used to meet the Company’s 
obligations under its employee share schemes. The Company currently has no shares held in treasury.

As at 21 March 2016, the total number of options to subscribe for shares in the Company was 3,654,975 (approximately 1.0% of the 
Company’s issued share capital and approximately 1.2% of the Company’s issued share capital if the full authority proposed by resolution 15 
was used and the shares purchased were cancelled).

Resolution 16 – Notice of general meetings, other than AGMs
Under the Act, the notice period required for all general meetings of the Company is 21 days. An AGM is required by law to be held on at  
least 21 clear days’ notice but shareholders can approve a shorter notice period for other general meetings.

This resolution would, if passed, allow the Company flexibility to call general meetings, other than AGMs, on not less than 14 clear days’ 
notice. The approval will be effective until the Company’s next AGM, when it is intended that a similar resolution will be proposed.  
A resolution in identical terms was passed at the previous AGM of the Company, held on 6 May 2015. 

The Board confirms that, in its opinion, all of the resolutions are in the best interests of the shareholders of the Company as a whole 
and unanimously recommends that shareholders vote in favour of them.

117

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONNOTICE OF AGM continued

IMPORTANT NOTES
The following notes explain your general rights as a shareholder and your right to attend and vote at this AGM or to appoint someone else 
to vote on your behalf.

1.  To be entitled to attend and vote at the AGM (and for the purpose of the determination by the Company of the number of votes they 

may cast), shareholders must be registered in the register of members of the Company at 6.00pm on 9 May 2016 (or, in the event of any 
adjournment, 6.00pm on the date which is 48 hours, excluding non-working days, before the time of the adjourned meeting). Changes to 
the register of members after the relevant deadline shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend and vote at 
the meeting. There are no other procedures or requirements for entitled shareholders to comply with in order to attend and vote at the 
AGM. In alignment with best practice for UK listed companies, it is the current intention that each of the resolutions to be put to the AGM 
will be voted on by way of a poll and not by show of hands. The Company believes that a poll is more representative of shareholders’ 
voting intentions because shareholder votes are counted according to the number of ordinary shares held and all votes tendered are 
taken into account. 

2.  The doors will open at 10.30am and you may wish to arrive by 11.00am to enable you to register and take your seat in good time. Light 

refreshments will be provided at the meeting. If you have any special needs or require wheelchair access to the offices of Linklaters LLP 
please contact Molly Stewart by e-mail on gms@bellpottinger.com or telephone +44 203 772 2500 in advance of the meeting. Mobile 
phones may not be used in the meeting hall, and cameras and recording equipment are not allowed in the meeting hall.

3.  Members are entitled to appoint a proxy to exercise all or part of their rights to attend and to speak and vote on their behalf at the AGM. 
A shareholder may appoint more than one proxy in relation to the AGM provided that each proxy is appointed to exercise the rights 
attached to a different ordinary share or ordinary shares held by that shareholder. A proxy need not be a shareholder of the Company.  
A form of proxy which may be used to make such appointment and give proxy instructions accompanies this Notice. If you do not have  
a form of proxy and believe that you should have one, or if you require additional forms, please contact the Company’s registrar Equiniti 
(the “Registrar”), on 0371 384 2030 (or from outside the UK: +44 121 415 7047). Lines are open Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 5.30pm 
(excluding UK public holidays).

4.  In the case of joint holders, where more than one of the joint holders purports to appoint a proxy, only the appointment submitted by the 
most senior holder will be accepted. Seniority is determined by the order in which the names of the joint holders appear in the Company’s 
register of members in respect of the joint holding (the first named being the most senior).

5.  Any person to whom this Notice is sent who is a person nominated under section 146 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”) to enjoy 
information rights (a “Nominated Person”) may, under an agreement between him/her and the shareholder by whom he/she was 
nominated, have a right to be appointed (or to have someone else appointed) as a proxy for the AGM. If a Nominated Person has no  
such proxy appointment right or does not wish to exercise it, he/she may, under any such agreement, have a right to give instructions  
to the shareholder as to the exercise of voting rights.

6.  The statement of the rights of shareholders in relation to the appointment of proxies in notes 3, 4 and 9 do not apply to Nominated 

Persons. The rights described in these paragraphs can only be exercised by shareholders of the Company.

7.  Members meeting the threshold requirements set out in the Act have the right to (a) require the Company to give notice of any 

resolution which can properly be, and is to be, moved at the AGM pursuant to section 338 of the Act; and/or (b) include a matter in  
the business to be dealt with at the AGM, pursuant to section 338A of the Act.

8.  A vote withheld is not a vote in law, which means that the vote will not be counted in the calculation of votes for or against the resolution. 
If no voting indication is given, your proxy will vote or abstain from voting at his or her discretion. Your proxy will vote (or abstain from 
voting) as he or she thinks fit in relation to any other matter which is put before the AGM.

9.  To be valid, any form of proxy or other instrument appointing a proxy must be received by the Registrar by post or (during normal 

business hours only) by hand at the address shown on the form of proxy or, in the case of shares held through CREST, via the CREST 
system (see note 12 below). For proxy appointments to be valid, they must be received by no later than 11.30am on 9 May 2016. If you 
return more than one proxy appointment, the proxy appointment received last by the Registrar before the latest time for the receipt  
of proxies will take precedence. You are advised to read the terms and conditions of use carefully. Electronic communication facilities  
are open to all shareholders and those who use them will not be disadvantaged.

10. The return of a completed form of proxy or any CREST Proxy Instruction (as described in note 12 below) will not prevent a shareholder 

attending the AGM and voting in person if he/she wishes to do so.

11.  CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies through the CREST electronic proxy appointment service may do so for the 
AGM (and any adjournment of the AGM) by using the procedures described in the CREST Manual (available from www.euroclear.com). 
CREST Personal Members or other CREST sponsored members, and those CREST members who have appointed a service provider(s), 
should refer to their CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s), who will be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf.

12. In order for a proxy appointment or instruction made by means of CREST to be valid, the appropriate CREST message (a “CREST Proxy 
Instruction”) must be properly authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited’s specifications and must contain the 
information required for such instructions, as described in the CREST Manual. The message must be transmitted so as to be received by 
the issuers’ agent (ID RA19) by 11:30am on 9 May 2016. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to the time (as determined by 
the timestamp applied to the message by the CREST application host) from which the issuers agent is able to retrieve the message by 
enquiry to CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST. After this time, any change of instructions to proxies appointed through CREST 
should be communicated to the appointee through other means.

118

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 201513. CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors, or voting service providers should note that Euroclear UK & Ireland 

Limited does not make available special procedures in CREST for any particular message. Normal system timings and limitations will, 
therefore, apply in relation to the input of CREST Proxy Instructions. It is the responsibility of the CREST member concerned to take  
(or, if the CREST member is a CREST personal member, or sponsored member, or has appointed a voting service provider(s), to procure 
that his CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s) take(s)) such action as shall be necessary to ensure that a message is transmitted 
by means of the CREST system by any particular time. In this connection, CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors 
or voting system providers are referred, in particular, to those sections of the CREST Manual concerning practical limitations of the 
CREST system and timings. The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)
(a) of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001.

14. Any corporation which is a member can appoint one or more corporate representatives who may exercise on its behalf all of its powers 

as a member provided that no more than one corporate representative exercises powers relation to the same shares.

15. As at 21 March 2016 (being the last practicable business day prior to the publication of this Notice), the Company’s ordinary issued share 
capital consists of 349,527,804 ordinary shares, carrying one vote each. No shares are held in treasury. Therefore, the total voting rights 
in the Company as at 21 March 2016 are 349,527,804.

16. Under section 527 of the Act, shareholders meeting the threshold requirements set out in that section have the right to require the 

Company to publish on a website a statement setting out any matter relating to: (i) the audit of the Company’s accounts (including the 
auditor’s report and the conduct of the audit) that are to be laid before the AGM; or (ii) any circumstances connected with an auditor  
of the Company ceasing to hold office since the previous meeting at which annual accounts and reports were laid in accordance with 
section 437 of the Act. The Company may not require the shareholders requesting any such website publication to pay its expenses in 
complying with sections 527 or 528 of the Act. Where the Company is required to place a statement on a website under section 527 of  
the Act, it must forward the statement to the Company’s auditor not later than the time when it makes the statement available on the 
website. The business which may be dealt with at the AGM includes any statement that the Company has been required under section 
527 of the Act to publish on a website.

17.  Any shareholder attending the meeting has the right to ask questions. The Company must cause to be answered any such question 

relating to the business being dealt with at the meeting but no such answer need be given if (a) to do so would interfere unduly with the 
preparation for the meeting or involve the disclosure of confidential information, (b) the answer has already been given on a website in 
the form of an answer to a question, or (c) it is undesirable in the interests of the Company or the good order of the meeting that the 
question be answered.

18. The following documents are available for inspection during normal business hours at the registered office of the Company on any 

business day from 21 March 2016 until the time of the AGM and may also be inspected at the AGM venue (Linklaters LLP,  
One Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8HQ), from 10.30 am on the day of the meeting until the conclusion of the AGM:

a.  copies of the directors’ letters of appointment or service contracts;
b.  a copy of the articles of association of the Company; and
c.  a copy of the directors’ deeds of indemnity.

19. You may not use any electronic address provided in either this Notice or any related documents (including the form of proxy) to 

communicate with the Company for any purposes other than those expressly stated.

A copy of this Notice, and other information required by section 311A of the Act, can be found on the Company’s website at  
http://www.gmsuae.com.

119

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015PERFORMANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGOVERNANCEADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSTRATEGIC REPORTINTRODUCTIONGLOSSARY

ABS

ADNOC 

Adjusted (net profit/ 
diluted earnings)

AED

AHTS vessel

Available days

American Bureau of Shipping.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.

After adding back non-operational refinancing costs in 2015 and non-operational IPO costs in 2014.

United Arab Emirates Dirham. The currency in United Arab Emirates.

Anchor Handling Tug Support vessel.

Calculated from a base of 365 days from which any unpaid days spent on mobilisation and 
demobilisation, planned refurbishment or upgrade work and, in the case of a newly constructed SESV, 
delivery time are subtracted. Maintenance days included in our contracts are counted as available days.

Average Daily Operating Costs

Average daily costs incurred to operate a vessel. Calculated as cost of sales less non-cash items, 
depreciation, amortisation and impairments divided by 365.

Brownfield project

Capex-led Activities

A project involving the upgrade or modification of existing operations.

Defined in the oil and gas sector to include greenfield projects, engineering, procurement and 
construction activities, installation and decommissioning and, with respect to EOR activities, water 
injection and gas injection. Typically funded out of our clients’ capital expenditure budgets.

Company (or Group) website

www.gmsuae.com

Constant currency basis 

Results that have been calculated by retranslating the comparative period results using current period 
exchange rates.

Income received by the Company in respect of each day a vessel is chartered to a client.

Dynamic positioning system with full redundancy meaning that should one component fail there is a 
backup component that takes over.

A computerised positioning system which maintains the vessel position by using its own propellers  
and thrusters.

Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation, which represents operating profit after 
adding back depreciation, amortisation (and in 2014 non-operational IPO costs).

Enhanced Oil Recovery. Consists of the injection of foreign components (e.g. chemicals) to recover a 
larger proportion of the remaining oil at the final stages of the field life.

Gulf Cooperation Council, the political and economic alliance of six Middle Eastern countries comprising 
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

Income received by the Company for the provision of accommodation and meals provided to client 
personnel charged on a per person per day basis.

Health, Safety and Environment.

Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Quality.

International Financial Reporting Standards.

International Oil Company.

Income received by the company at the beginning of a new charter party agreement relating to the 
costs and time taken to prepare the vessel.

Middle East and North Africa.

National Oil Company.

Operating expenditure-led activities. Defined in the oil and gas sector to include fabric maintenance, 
well intervention, brownfield upgrade and modification projects and retrofit or upgrade activities with 
respect to EOR activities. Typically funded out of our clients’ operating budgets.

Self-Elevated Support Vessel designed to cater to a range of offshore assets and equipment such as 
drilling products and to support inspection, maintenance, repair, diving and construction activities.

Consists of the maintenance, modification and operation of platforms during the production phase  
of the offshore field lifecycle.

Total Recordable Injury Rate is calculated on the injury rate per 200,000 man hours and includes all our 
onshore and offshore personnel and subcontracted personnel. Offshore personnel are monitored over 
a 24-hour period.

United Kingdom Continental Shelf.

The percentage of available days in a relevant period during which an SESV is under contract and in 
respect of which a customer is paying a day rate for the charter of the SESV.

Actual number of days a vessel is on hire divided by the number of available days in a year.

Consists of services (coiled tubine, pumping, workover, subsea landing string and other services) to 
maintain production levels in the primary and secondary phases of oil production.

Day rate

DP2

Dynamic positioning

EBITDA

EOR

GCC

Hotel Services 

HSE

HSSEQ

IFRS 

IOC

Lump sum

MENA

NOC

Opex-led Activities

SESV

Topside Operations  
and Maintenance

TRIR 

UKCS

Utilisation

Utilisation rate

Well intervention

120

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC Annual Report 2015Board of Directors
Simon Heale
Independent Non-Executive Chairman

Duncan Anderson
Chief Executive Officer

Simon Batey
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director

Richard Anderson
Independent Non-Executive Director

Mike Straughen
Independent Non-Executive Director

Richard Dallas
Non-Executive Director 

Dr Karim El Solh
Non-Executive Director

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Joint Corporate Broker
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
2 King Edward Street
London EC1A 1HQ

Joint Corporate Broker
Barclays 
5 The North Colonnade 
Canary Wharf 
London E14 4BB

Legal Advisers
Linklaters LLP 
One Silk Street 
London EC2Y 8HQ

Auditors
Deloitte LLP 
2 New Street Square 
London EC4A 3BZ

Public Relations Advisers
Bell Pottinger 
Holborn Gate 
330 High Holborn 
London WC1V 7QD

Registrar
Equiniti 
Aspect House 
Spencer Road 
Lancing  
West Sussex BN99 6DA

Registered Office
Gulf Marine Services PLC 
1st Floor 
40 Dukes Place 
London EC3A 7NH 

Head Office
Gulf Marine Services
P.O. Box 46046
Abu Dhabi, UAE
T: +971 (2) 5028888
F: +971 (2) 5553421
E: IR@gmsuae.com 

This publication was printed with vegetable 
oil-based inks by an FSC-recognised printer 
that holds an ISO 14001 certification.

Gulf Marine Services
P.O. Box 46046
Abu Dhabi, UAE
T: +971 (2) 5028888
F: +971 (2) 5553421
E: IR@gmsuae.com

www.gmsuae.com

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