Sub-Saharan Africa leading crew boat demand as the fleet continues expansion

Crew Boats are used to transport technicians offshore for platform access and crew changes, and are primarily used for oil and gas (O&G) projects. They are primarily deployed in nearshore waters, where conditions are calmer allowing for safe use. 

The crew boat sector has seen a steady quarter-on-quarter rise in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, peaking at 244 working vessels in Q1 2025, in October that number had dropped slightly to 223. As of November 2025, there are 770 vessels in the global fleet with around a third of the fleet being laid up. While activity has decreased over the course of the year, demand has remained relatively steady. 

Demand for crew boats follows offshore maintenance and production schedules, which is why operators can rely on consistent activity levels. With their main markets being the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa, demand is likely to rise in line with rising developments for each region in the coming years. 

‍Sub-Saharan Africa leading crew boat demand

The Sub-Saharan Africa market expands by around 10 new working units each year, reflecting regional growth ambitions. Growth is currently fueled by Nigeria (+30% year-to-year since 2023) due to massive O&G re-investment and several new exploration and development programs in the pipeline. 

Other traditionally strong O&G countries in the region, such as Angola and Congo, remain stable. However, demand has dipped from their peak years. There are some up and coming countries, set to follow Nigeria’s example. By 2026/2027, emerging countries like Namibia and Mozambique will also absorb part of the demand. 

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French company Bourbon is the leader in terms of the number of units in West Africa with nearly 100 vessels. Its fleet is particularly known for the "Surfers." The surfer fleet comprises light, fast cruisers which have grown from their initial region of West Africa to be used in Southeast Asia, Brazil and the Middle East. 

Peschaud, another French player, has the second highest number of units in the region (20 working units compared to Bourbon’s 40 as of Q4 2025). It is continuing to grow with a number of 2025 newbuild deliveries taking their fleet from 24 in 2024 to 29 as of November 2025.

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The expanding crew boat fleet

As crew boats are under 30 m, they support local ship building players. Since 2024, Dutch company Damen and French yards including EFINOR Chantier Allais, have dominated crew boat deliveries. Recently, EFINOR Allais announced that Bourbon had ordered six S200X G2 surfer vessels. The new units will be commissioned progressively between June and December 2026 and will operate on Eni’s FLNG projects offshore Congo. With its latest deal, Chantier Allais now surpasses Damen Antalya (Türkiye) by five units. 

Bourbon has also secured an additional four units with another undisclosed shipyard to support its Sub-Saharan African operations for delivery in 2026/2027. 

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