GYG.L Regulatory News (GYG)

5 February 2018

GYG plc

("GYG" or the "Group")

LOI signed for the largest research and expedition vessel in the world

GYG, a market leading superyacht painting, supply and maintenance company, announces that it has signed a Letter of Intent ("LOI") with the owner of 'REV 182', the world's largest research and expedition vessel currently under construction. The 182 metre vessel, which is scheduled to be delivered in 2020, will be contracted to the Group's Rolling Stock division and the order includes the supply and application of the exterior filler and paint system for specified exterior areas of the vessel.

This is the third explorer vessel of this type that GYG has been contracted to work on in the last two years, further establishing itself as the specialist in this type of market. The works are scheduled to commence in 2019, further strengthening the order book and providing a good visibility of income for the Group.

Due to enter the water at Norwegian yard VARD in 2020, REV 182 has been designed by superyacht specialist Espen Øino and will be the largest research and expedition vessel ever built. Her 14 cabins will accommodate up to 28 charter guests, scientists and marine conservation enthusiasts and a core research crew of 30.

The vessel has been commissioned with the goal to improve understanding and search for more sustainable and environmentally responsible solutions for the world's oceans. Independent scientists, marine experts, and innovative thinkers from all over the world will be given access to the ship and the advanced on-board technology in pursuit of this ambition. 

Part of REV 182's marine conservation programme will include studying rare and endangered species of fish. Her highly advanced trawl and sampling system is able to selectively catch live species from a maximum depth of 3,000 metres below the surface and give scientists a live visual feed as the fish are caught. A moon pool on board will allow submersibles to be lowered into the water through a 7.7 metre x 5 metre opening in the bottom of the hull.

Remy Millott, Chief Executive of GYG plc, commented:

"We are delighted to be working on the build of the world's largest ever explorer vessel with the REV 182 team. The decision to enter into this agreement with GYG as the fairing and painting contractor for this prestigious project further underpins the Group as the market leader in the emerging explorer sector. GYG has unrivalled experience in this specialist field which, combined with its technical leadership and global after-service capability, provides significant reassurance to owners embarking on major new build projects.

"GYG floated on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange in 2017 with an intention and ambition to increase its presence in the New Build market and the signing of this LOI marks a significant milestone for the Group. We look forward to getting started on this exciting project in 2019."

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Notes to Editors:

GYG is the market leading superyacht painting, supply and maintenance company, offering services globally through operations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the United States. The Company's brands include Pinmar, Rolling Stock, Pinmar Supply, Pinmar USA, Techno Craft and ACA Marine. GYG's operations can be divided into three key sales channels:

· Refit: repainting and finishing of superyachts, normally as part of a refit programme. Revenues also include scaffolding and containment work;

· New Build: fairing and painting of new vessels as part of the build process; and

· Supply: selling and delivery of maintenance materials, consumables, spare parts and equipment primarily to trade customers.

Superyachts require a major survey service every five years to comply with certain class, maritime laws and insurance requirements. Owners typically undertake an annual haul out and general maintenance to remain ahead of the service intervals and to keep the vessels in optimum condition. Owners often use the major servicing period as an opportunity for repainting the vessel, providing GYG with a source of repeat business.