BOURBON announces order for 2 Multi Purpose Supply Vessels from Socarenam, the French shipyard in Boulogne-sur-Mer

Following a European bid tender, BOURBON is announcing its order for two high-tech Multi Purpose Supply Vessels (MPSV) from Socarenam, the French shipyard based in Boulogne-sur-Mer. The design of these vessels is based on a concept established by Marine Assistance, and will be developed by the consultant firm Bureau Mauric. The experience of these two French companies in the concept of work vessels, has enabled them to come up with a vessel design adapted to the requirements of BOURBON’s customers. Christian Lefèvre, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of BOURBON explains: "This order for two high-tech Multi Purpose Supply Vessels from a recognized French shipyard reflects our desire to offer our customers high-performance multi-purpose vessels combined with an excellent cost/delivery deadline ratio in line with our Horizon 2010 strategic plan. This contract is proof that French and European naval shipyards can be competitive and offer a solid performance. The choice of the Socarenam shipyard also reflects our desire to make investments and remain a major socio-economic player in France. BOURBON is pleased to be able to build vessels at controlled costs in France." The two MPSVs built by Socarenam will be used to provide support in specific, demanding offshore operations, such as the maintenance of oil facilities or production maintenance work and subsea inspections. They can house 103 persons under excellent conditions of comfort and safety. Like all the new vessels in the Offshore fleet, the design of these MPSVs meets the BOURBON standards. They are equipped with diesel-electric propulsion and a redondant dynamic positioning system (Class 2). Moreover, the vessels have 8 anchors (compared with 4 normally found on this type of vessel) which, combined with the Dynamic Positioning technology, offer greater flexibility in operational positioning. Finally, these vessels have been designed with low draught to allow increased accessibility in shallow zones such as estuaries or rivers. This order has been placed as part of the Horizon 2010 plan intended to expand the fleet of offshore oil and gas marine service vessels. The two vessels will be delivered in the second half of 2009. About BOURBON With 5000 professionals and a fleet of 280 owned vessels, BOURBON offers, in more than 25 countries, a broad range of offshore oil and gas marine services, towage, assistance, salvage and bulk shipping. By 2010, in line with its strategic plan BOURBON intends to become the leader in modern offshore oil and gas marine services by offering the most demanding international clients worldwide the services of a full line of new generation, innovative and high-performance vessels. Classified by Euronext in the "Oil Services" sector, BOURBON is listed on Eurolist Paris, Compartment A and is included in the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD) and the SBF 120 and Dow Jones Stoxx 600 indices. About Socarenam Socarenam, founded in 1961, is a subsidiary of the SOCALLIANCE Holding Company and operates at 3 sites in France: Boulogne-sur-Mer, Calais and Dunkirk. More than 200 employees, including engineers and specialized technicians, are dedicated to customer satisfaction in accordance with the company's quality system, which has earned ISO 9001 V2000 certification. The shipyard is recognized for its expertise in specialized vessels and has already built over 150 vessels, including 30 used for operations of the French national Navy, research vessels, and vessels requiring the use of specific new technologies, such as diesel-electric propulsion systems. Recognized in 2006 by the French national Navy with a Special Quality Award, Socarenam stands out through its positioning as an expert in custom construction. www.socarenam.com About Marine Assistance Marine Assistance is a French service company in the construction and fitting of marine vessels, which offers expertise in pre-project planning, naval architecture, project management and design. The 5 employees of Marine Assistance, who are ship architects, engineers and merchant marine officers, assist their customers in the various phases of project construction--from the first drawings to the delivery of the vessel by the shipyard, both in France and abroad. www.marineassistance.com About Bureau Mauric Bureau Mauric is the leading French naval architecture and engineering consultant independent from any shipyards. Established in 1945, the firm has conceived and designed numerous ships from 10 to 100 meters in length. Its collaboration with BOURBON has already produced staff launches like Surfer Crew Boats, Fast Supply Intervention Vessels and will now include Multi Purpose Supply Vessels. Apart from its experience in work vessels to the offshore industry, Bureau Mauric is also a player in the naval defense industry. www.mauric.com Contacts TM MARKETING GROUP LLC Tony Munoz (954) 848 9955 tony@tmmarket.com Publicis Consultants / Press Relations Stéphanie Elbaz +33 (0)1 44 43 79 51 stephanie.elbaz@consultants.publicis.fr Matthieu Pirouelle +33 (0)1 44 43 76 15 matthieu.pirouelle@consultants.publicis.fr BOURBON Investors -- Analysts -- Shareholders Relations Patrick Mangaud +33 (0)1 40 13 86 09 patrick.mangaud@bourbon-online.com Communications Department Christa Roqueblave +33 (0)1 40 13 86 06 christa.roqueblave@bourbon-online.com www.bourbon-online.com