Stocks that Float: TANKERS & DRY BULK SHIPPERS

[xanadu90]

Milner. The ex-day of DESSC's dividend $0.40 was March 26, and the payment will take place in 2-3 weeks, the exact date will be informed later. I do not know about the future dividends, but I would guess that only serving Seadrill's rigs (ca 30 units now, 37 by the end of 2010) the income looks trustfull.

I have not heard anything about DOCK paying dividends yet. They have informed that it is DOCK's intention to become a dividend paying company - and I trust them in that. If you are interested in DOCK, buy small amounts untill you are more convinced about the company's success. Remember, if you feel yourself uncomfortable with your investment, you have put too much money in it.
You may have noticed that these marine businesses are targets of heavy speculation, which causes much uncertainty and volatility. I have decided to only trust the companie's reports and press releases, and in addition try to follow the oil and gas markets. Rigzone is a good site to read about the latest in oil drilling.

http://www.rigzone.com/

I am no expert in shipping or drilling, I have only followed these sectors a long, long time (I bought FRO when it was $6-10), and almost all my investments are in these industries, mostly in these Norwegian companies we are discussing now. Of course I have collected much information during those years, and I am glad if I can share something to those, who have become interested into the sector later :)

As to the liquid mud, it is a sort of lubricant you need in the drilling tube to help the mud (sand, clay, stones) come out and up of the drilling hole. You need big amounts of these fluids (various compositions of chemicals and water), and therefore there are special ships (kind of tankers) to feed the offshore drilling rigs. Here's some information:

DRILLING FLUIDS:
Drilling fluids are very vital to any drilling operation. Drilling fluid normally called mud is pumped through the drill string while drilling is taking place. This mud exits out at the bit and comes back through the annulus and flow line. This mud helps to bring back cuttings of the drilled formation to the surface. These cuttings are then studied by the geologist to get information of the subsurface formation. This module deals with the properties, important functions and the behavior of fluids in the hole.