Dutch group Damen Shipyards has logged its first annual loss in 15 years.

It posted a deficit of EUR 17m ($19.2m) for 2018, blaming "a sustained period of difficulty in a number of maritime sectors and investments it has made in its future."

Damen did not give a comparative figure for 2017.

"Notably, despite rising oil prices, the offshore hydrocarbon sectors continue to present tough trading conditions," it added.