
I do not wish to underplay the challenges
of 2021.
The pandemic continued to exert a deep
impact on our core markets, resulting in
additional costs and delays to projects,
whilst clients continued to adopt rigid
commercial positions. Once again, the
severity of the situation was reflected in
our financial results as well as our new
order intake.
I would, however, like to emphasise
the progress we made, the underlying
strength in the business, and the
prospects for the future.
The conclusion of the SFO investigation
was welcome, putting an end to
the uncertainty of recent years.
The subsequent capital raise and
refinancing showed that,with this
regrettable period behind us, we retain the
confidence of the investment community.
Strategically, we were reassured that the
energy transition represents an opportunity
for Petrofac. Alongside the growth in new
energies, we are helping clients reduce the
carbon intensity of their existing operations,
while the onus on fulfilling the world’s
ongoing oil and gas demand is likely
tofallto our core MENA markets.
Operationally, there was also much to
celebrate: as part of the reshaping and
rebalancing of the business, we continued to
deliver on our ESG agenda and our progress
was recognised in the external rankings by
ESG ratings agencies; we demonstrated our
ability to deliver prestigious projects under
difficult conditions; a strong Asset Solutions
performance brought a more balanced
portfolio; our new order intake improved
in the second half; and the future bidding
pipeline looks encouraging.
While further challenges in 2022 are
inevitable, we clearly have a strong
platform for medium-term growth.
Embedding a strong, refreshed
executive team
Group Chief Executive Sami Iskander and
his refreshed executive team made excellent
progress in rebalancing and reshaping the
business. Although leadership successions
are often difficult, this one was well executed
and delivered an immediate impact.
We consider ourselves very fortunate
to have secured someone with Sami’s
credentials. As well as having a deep
understanding of our markets and client
landscape, and a proven track record
inbusiness transformation, his energy
andenthusiasm are clearly valued across
the business.
Meanwhile, Afonso Reis e Sousa marked
his internal appointment as Chief Financial
Officer with the delivery of a significant
and successful refinancing programme
(asset out below).
The refreshed leadership extends to our
in-country operations. The appointment
offive new country heads, all of whom are
local nationals, demonstrates our aspiration
for all teams to be representative of the
societies in whichthey work.
Bolstering our capital structure
A clear priority for the year was to protect
our financial strength.
With this in mind, we trimmed further costs
taking the total reduction to US$250 million
compared with pre-pandemic levels.
We also took the difficult decision to
suspend the dividend for a further year.
Then, when the SFO investigation was
concluded and the financial penalties
confirmed, a key achievement was our
refinancing programme, comprising a
capital raise, a bond issue, and a new
two-year revolving credit facility. We were
gratified by the extent of the support from
across the investment community. To me,
this demonstrates that existing shareholders
and new investors alike believe in Petrofac,
our fundamental strengths, and our
medium-term prospects.
We therefore enter 2022 with a long-term
capital structure, enabling us to navigate
this period of uncertainty and return to
growth as the market recovers.
Extending the ESG agenda
Importantly, our business model and our
ESG agenda are completely aligned: we
see the energy transition as a strategic
opportunity; the creation of in-country
value is central to our local delivery
model; and our best-in-class delivery
is characterised by uncompromising
commitments to ethical behaviour,
safety, employee wellbeing, diversity,
andinclusion.
In 2021, more granularity was brought
toour Net Zero plans and more ambition
to our diversity targets (see pages 35 and
49 for more information).
Although our safety record is among
thestrongest in the sector, we did see
some isolated incidents, including a tragic
fatality at our project site in Thailand.
In 2021, we strengthened our safety
leadership to ensure we apply the same
high standards everywhere.
Ethical behaviour remains a core priority.
We continued to embed a comprehensive
compliance and governance regime
that meets or exceeds international best
practice. Both the SFO and the Court
acknowledged the extent and integrity
ofour reforms, and we are confident that
the past behaviour uncovered in the SFO
investigation would not be possible today.
Maintaining a strong, well-informed
dialogue
With so much happening, the Board met
on more than 40 occasions during 2021.
I therefore thank my fellow Directors for
their commitment, for making themselves
so available, often at short notice, and
for their determination to deliver on their
fiduciary responsibilities.
Although the pandemic prevented us
from meeting face-to-face or from visiting
any Petrofac sites, I believe we were still
able to maintain a good understanding
of the inner workings of the business.
Through our bi-annual meetings with
the Petrofac Workforce Forum, we were
able to converse directly with employees
representing different levels, functions and
geographies. I am constantly impressed
by the quality of the dialogue, and I know
the entire Board values the insights
itbrings.
Looking ahead to 2022 and beyond
We expect 2022 to be another challenging
year. The new order intake outlook is
beginning to improve, as is the scale of
the 2022 bidding pipeline. While much
of this business is scheduled for award
in the second half of the year, it all adds
to prospects for medium-term growth.
A priority for the Board will therefore be
to give Sami and his team the support
they need in navigating the intervening
uncertainties and rebuilding the
orderbacklog.
For the Board itself, it will be necessary
tomake some measured changes.
In 2021we took the view that it was
important to maintain continuity, such
that my term as Chairman was extended
for another year. A priority for 2022 will
be to plan and manage my succession
and ensure that, going forward, the
size and structure of the Board remains
commensurate with the scale of the
Company and the geographies in which
itoperates (see the Nominations Committee
report on page 103).
For now, I would like to thank the entire
Petrofac team for their commitment to
the Company, their exceptional response
to the ongoing challenges, and their
contribution to the achievements of the
past year. I would also like to thank our
shareholders for their patience and loyalty,
and for the confidence shown through
2021’s refinancing.
René Médori
Chairman
23 March 2022
05Petrofac Limited 2021 Annual report and accounts
Strategic report Governance Financial statements