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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- 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.
- Quarterly Dividend Declaration: KNOT Offshore Partners has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating stable cash flow and profitability, which is likely to attract more investor interest.
- Yield Analysis: The forward yield of 1.99% reflects the company's appeal in the current market environment, potentially boosting shareholder confidence and stabilizing the stock price.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend is set to be paid on May 14, with a record date of April 27 and an ex-dividend date also on April 27, providing investors with a clear timeline that aids in their investment decisions.
- Market Reaction Expectations: Following the dividend announcement, market attention on KNOT Offshore Partners may increase, especially against the backdrop of analysts' optimism regarding its recovery potential, which could drive the stock price higher.
- Quarterly Cash Distribution: KNOT Offshore Partners has announced a cash distribution of $0.05 per common unit for Q1 2026, reflecting the company's proactive stance in its ongoing capital allocation review.
- Payment Schedule: This cash distribution will be paid on May 14, 2026, to all unitholders of record as of April 27, 2026, ensuring timely returns for investors.
- Operational Model: KNOT Offshore Partners primarily owns, operates, and acquires shuttle tankers under long-term charters in offshore oil production regions of Brazil and the North Sea, showcasing its expertise and market position in maritime transport.
- Tax Structure Clarification: As a publicly traded master limited partnership, KNOT Offshore Partners is classified as a corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes, issuing a Form 1099 to its unitholders instead of a Form K-1, simplifying the tax process for investors.
- Financial Performance Overview: KNOT Offshore Partners reported total revenues of $96.5 million for Q4 2025, with a net loss of $6.2 million due to a $20.3 million impairment on the Bodil Knutsen, although adjusted net income stood at $14.0 million, indicating operational resilience.
- Liquidity Position: As of December 31, 2025, the Partnership had $137.0 million in available liquidity, comprising $89.0 million in cash and cash equivalents and $48.0 million in undrawn revolving credit capacity, ensuring financial flexibility for future operations.
- Fleet Utilization Rates: The fleet operated at a remarkable 99.5% utilization for scheduled operations in Q4 2025, and 96.4% when accounting for scheduled drydocking, reflecting the company's excellence in scheduling and operational efficiency.
- Dividends and Buyback Program: The Partnership declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.026 per common unit on January 7, 2026, and initiated a buyback program of up to $10 million in July 2025, demonstrating a strong commitment to shareholder returns.
- Financial Performance: KNOT Offshore Partners reported a net loss of $6.2 million in Q4 2025, primarily due to a $20.3 million non-cash impairment related to the Bodil Knutsen vessel, indicating challenges in asset management.
- Revenue Growth: Despite the loss, the company achieved revenue of $96.49 million in Q4, representing a 5.7% year-over-year increase, suggesting some revenue growth potential in the current market environment.
- Liquidity Position: As of December 31, 2025, the company had $137.0 million in available liquidity, comprised of $89.0 million in cash and cash equivalents and $48.0 million in undrawn revolving credit capacity, demonstrating short-term financial stability.
- Operational Efficiency: The fleet operated at 99.5% utilization for scheduled operations in Q4 2025, and 96.4% when accounting for the scheduled drydocking of the Synnøve Knutsen, reflecting high operational efficiency in fleet management.







