KNOP Achieves 99.5% Fleet Utilization in Q4 2025
Fleet operated with 99.5% utilization for scheduled operations in Q4 2025, and 96.4% utilization taking into account the scheduled drydocking of the Synnove Knutsen, for which the relevant off-hire period occurred during Q4 2025. Derek Lowe, CEO, stated, "We are pleased to report another strong performance in Q4 2025, marked by safe operation at 99.5% from scheduled operations, 96.4% utilization when including drydockings, consistent revenue and operating income generation, and material progress in the charter coverage outlook for our fleet. As of the date of this release and including contractual updates since December 31, 2025, we have now secured 98% of charter coverage for the first half of 2026, and approximately 88% for the second half of 2026, in both cases after allowing for scheduled dry dockings. We remain focused on further strengthening our fleetwide charter coverage and seizing those periodic opportunities that exist to re-charter vessels in the current tight market environment. In Brazil, the main offshore oil market where we operate, Petrobras exceeded the upper end of its oil production targets for 2025. This was driven primarily by the successful deployment of FPSOs focused in shuttle tanker-serviced fields, in multiple instances taking place ahead of schedule and reaching production levels in excess of their anticipated maximums. As a result, the world's biggest shuttle tanker market is both growing and materially tightening. The North Sea, our secondary geography, has also established some positive momentum as projects ramp up production in both the UK North Sea and, most significantly, the Barents Sea. While less dynamic than is the case in Brazil, these positive developments in the wider North Sea region are a welcome and notable change after a protracted period of relatively slack shuttle tanker demand. Against this backdrop, we continue to believe that growth of offshore oil production in shuttle tanker-serviced fields across both Brazil and the North Sea is on track to outpace shuttle tanker supply growth throughout the coming years. We are aware of newbuild shuttle tanker orders, including eight for Knutsen NYK, all of which are scheduled for delivery over 2026-2028. We anticipate that all these new orders are backed by charters to clients in Brazil, and see this as a sign of confidence in the medium-to-long term demand for the global shuttle tanker fleet. Particularly when considered in the context of the increasing numbers of shuttle tankers reaching or exceeding typical retirement age, as well as yard capacity constraints limiting material new orders into at least 2028, we anticipate that these newbuild deliveries will be readily absorbed by the expanding market for shuttle tankers. As the largest global owner of shuttle tankers, along with our Sponsor, and with a market-leading position in the fastest-growing shuttle tanker region of offshore Brazil, KNOP is well positioned to benefit from these trends throughout the coming years. Accordingly, our Board of Directors is keenly focused on optimizing the Partnership's value creation strategy and is actively weighing the available capital allocation alternatives with the intention of maximizing unitholder value in a sustainable manner over the long term."
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- Strong Financial Performance: KNOT Offshore Partners reported total revenues of $92 million, operating income of $14.7 million, and net income of $2.6 million for Q1 2026, demonstrating the company's ability to maintain profitability under a stable commercial model.
- Increased Liquidity: As of March 31, 2026, the company reported available liquidity of $140.7 million, which is $3.7 million higher than December 31, 2025, enhancing financial flexibility for future investments and operations.
- High Fleet Utilization: The fleet operated at a 97.2% utilization rate for scheduled operations in Q1 2026, with an overall utilization of 92.0% when accounting for scheduled drydockings, indicating strong operational efficiency in a high-demand market.
- Sustained Dividend Policy: The company declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.05 per unit on April 7, 2026, to be paid on May 14, 2026, reflecting its commitment to shareholder returns despite market challenges.
- Financial Performance: KNOT Offshore Partners reported revenues of $92 million, operating income of $14.7 million, net income of $2.6 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $56.5 million for Q1 2026, indicating the company's stability and profitability in the market.
- Liquidity Position: As of March 31, 2026, the company had $140.7 million in available liquidity, comprising $92.7 million in cash and cash equivalents and $48 million in undrawn credit capacity, demonstrating financial flexibility and the ability to navigate market fluctuations.
- Dividend Policy: The company declared a cash distribution of $0.05 per common unit, marking the initiation of a higher payout phase after a prolonged period of low distributions, reflecting management's confidence in future earnings growth.
- Market Outlook: Management highlighted tightening markets in Brazil and the North Sea, with a total backlog of $858 million in fixed contracts averaging 2.4 years, showcasing the company's revenue security and competitive position for the coming years.
- Net Income Recovery: KNOT Offshore Partners reported a net income of $2.6 million in Q1 2026, a significant turnaround from a net loss of $6.2 million in Q4 2025, indicating a recovery in financial performance and operational efficiency.
- Revenue Growth: The company achieved revenue of $92.01 million in Q1, reflecting a 9.5% year-over-year increase, although it fell short of expectations by $0.4 million, suggesting a need for enhanced sales strategies to capitalize on improving market demand.
- Liquidity Position: As of March 31, 2026, KNOT reported available liquidity of $140.7 million, comprised of $92.7 million in cash and cash equivalents and $48.0 million in undrawn revolving credit facility capacity, demonstrating robust financial management that supports future investments and operations.
- Fleet Utilization: The fleet operated at a 97.2% utilization rate for scheduled operations in Q1 2026, with an overall utilization of 92.0% when accounting for scheduled drydockings, indicating the company's capability to maintain efficient operations despite challenges from drydock periods.

- Earnings Release Plan: KNOT Offshore Partners LP plans to release its Q1 2026 financial results before market opening on May 29, 2026, aiming to provide investors with the latest financial performance information and enhance transparency.
- Conference Call Arrangement: On the same day, KNOT Offshore Partners will host a conference call at 9:30 AM Eastern Time, inviting all unitholders and interested parties to join via the live webcast link on its website, fostering interaction with investors.
- Webcast Replay Service: Following the conclusion of the call, KNOT Offshore Partners will provide a replay on its website, ensuring that investors who could not participate live can access financial information, thereby improving information accessibility.
- Company Background: KNOT Offshore Partners LP focuses on owning, operating, and acquiring long-term chartered shuttle tankers in offshore oil production regions of Brazil and the North Sea, structured as a publicly traded master limited partnership to offer tax transparency to attract investors.
- Annual Report Filing: KNOT Offshore Partners LP announced the filing of its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2025, with the SEC, ensuring timely access to financial information for investors through its website.
- Financial Transparency: The report includes complete audited financial statements, and unitholders can request a hard copy free of charge via email or mail, enhancing communication and trust between the company and its investors.
- Corporate Structure: Although structured as a publicly traded master limited partnership, KNOT Offshore Partners LP is classified as a corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes, issuing a Form 1099 to unitholders, which simplifies tax reporting processes.
- Market Positioning: The company focuses on owning and operating shuttle tankers under long-term charters primarily in offshore oil production regions of Brazil and the North Sea, demonstrating its specialization and long-term strategic positioning in specific markets.
- Announcement of Availability: KNOT Offshore Partners LP has announced the availability of its Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2025.
- Regulatory Compliance: The filing is part of the company's compliance with regulatory requirements for financial reporting.






