The former CEO of Viking Supply Ships, Christian W. Berg, will take over as new chief executive of family-owned Norwegian carrier GC Rieber Shipping, informs the company in a press release.

Berg established the company Bech Offshore in 2017, aimed at helping distressed companies in the offshore sector locate investment opportunities. The company and its current assets will now become part of GC Rieber Shipping, according to the press release. GC Rieber Shipping underwent a restructuring process during 2016, with one outcome being the establishment of seismic carrier Sherwater Geoservices together with Norway's Rasmussen family.

"We are still facing both challenges and opportunities, and Christian W. Berg's background will add valuable competence and experience to our company," says Paul-Chr. Rieber, Chairman of GC Rieber Shipping, in the press release.

Berg stepped down as CEO of offshore carrier Viking Supply Ships following a protracted struggle to complete a corporate restructuring. He says the following about his new position:

"I am looking forward to join an exciting company with rich traditions. My background and experience from oil service segments such as Seismic, Subsea and Ice Support in combination with a highly skilled organization makes me confident that we as a team can structure the company for the future," he says, adding that he is pleased that he can continue his work in consolidation and investment through Bech Offshore.

In the latest annual report, the GC Rieber group overall was hit by weaker income from shipping activities and impairments on vessels servicing the oil sector, and the group suffered an operating deficit of NOK 811 million (USD 96.9 million), reported newspaper Bergens Tidende recently.

English Edit: Daniel Logan Berg-Munch

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