CEANIC CORP
10-Q, 1998-08-14
OIL & GAS FIELD SERVICES, NEC
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                               UNITED STATES
                     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           Washington, D.C. 20549

                          ________________________


                                 FORM 10-Q

  (X)  Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
                            Exchange Act of 1934
                for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1998

 (   )  Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
                            Exchange Act of 1934
          For the transition period from __________ to __________

                          ________________________

                     Commission File Number:   0-22032

                          ________________________

                             CEANIC CORPORATION

                 (Formerly American Oilfield Divers, Inc.)

           (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

            Louisiana                      72-0918249
(State or Other Jurisdiction of    (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
  Incorporation or Organization)

                             900 Town & Country Lane
                               Suite 400    77024
                                Houston, Texas                
                   (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

                                  (713) 430-1100
                             (Registrant's telephone number,
                               including area code)

                             ________________________

      Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  (1) has filed all
       reports  required  to  be  filed  by  Section 13(b) or 15(d)  of  the
       Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during  the  preceding  12 months (or
       such  shorter  period  that the Registrant was required to file  such
       reports), and (2) has been  subject  to  such filing requirements for
       the past 90 days.  Yes  [x]   No _____

        At August 13, 1998 there were 10,690,893 shares of common stock, no
                              par value, outstanding.
                                
<PAGE>                                
                                
                                CEANIC CORPORATION

                                       INDEX




Part I. Financial Information Page

        Item 1. Condensed Financial Statements

        Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -

           June 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997.......................... 1

        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income -

           Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1997... 2

        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders'
          Equity -

           Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1997............. 3

        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -

           Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1997... 4

            Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Information....... 5

        Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
            Condition and Results of Operations......................... 8

    Part II. Other Information

        Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K....................... 15

        Signatures...................................................... 16


<PAGE>

                      PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.                    Financial Statements.

                             Ceanic Corporation
                   Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
                               (in thousands)
                                                        
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                   June 30, 1998       December 31, 1997
                                                   -------------       -----------------
                                                    (unaudited)
<S>
ASSETS
Current assets:                                     <S>                  <C>
  Cash and cash equivalents                         $    1,997           $  1,407
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
    doubtful accounts of $757 and $600                  35,668             32,604
  Unbilled revenue                                      19,644             10,870
  Other receivables                                      2,371              3,225
  Inventories                                            7,321              5,428
  Prepaid expenses                                       5,794              1,752
                                                    ------------        -----------
    Total current assets                                72,795             55,286

Property, plant and equipment, net of
accumulated depreciation of $30,414 and $28,305         75,701             63,318
Trademarks and patents, net of accumulated             
   amortization                                          7,570              8,104
Other assets, net of accumulated amortization            6,849              7,592
                                                    ------------       -------------
                                                      $162,915           $134,300
                                                    ============       =============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable                                    $  9,086           $  8,379
  Other liabilities                                     29,258             10,348
  Borrowings under a line of credit agreement           18,017              8,808
  Current portion of long-term debt                      2,028              2,163
                                                     -----------        ------------
    Total current liabilities                           58,389             29,698
    
Long-term debt, less current portion                     7,252              8,060
Other liabilities                                        6,016              6,291
                                                     -----------        ------------
    Total liabilities                                   71,657             44,049

Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock, no par value                             1,828              1,824
  Other stockholders' equity                            89,430             88,427
                                                     -----------        ------------
    Total stockholders' equity                          91,258             90,251
                                                     -----------        ------------
                                                      $162,915           $134,300
                                                     ===========        ============

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                statements.
                             
</TABLE>                             
                             Ceanic Corporation
                Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
                   (in thousands, except per share data)



                                      Three Months Ended   Six Months
                                            June 30,      Ended June 30,        
                                      ------------------ ---------------      
(unaudited)                            1998       1997      1998   1997
                                       ----       -----     ----  -----
Diving and related revenues          $41,728    $28,177  $77,745 $56,753
                                     -------    -------  ------- ------- 
Costs and expenses:
Diving and related expenses           28,288     17,797   53,244  38,119
Selling, general and administrative    7,247      5,782   13,765  11,117
expenses
Depreciation and amortization          3,078      2,258    6,075   4,576
Restructuring charges                  1,071          -    1,071       -
                                     -------    -------  -------  ------ 
   Total costs and expenses           39,684     25,837   74,155  53,812
                                     -------    -------  -------  ------

Operating income                       2,044      2,340    3,590   2,941
Other income (expense), net             (23)        537     (467)    332
Income before income taxes             2,021      2,877    3,123   3,273
Income tax provision                     875      1,235    1,350   1,405
                                     -------    -------   ------   -----
Net income                            $1,146     $1,642   $1,773  $1,868
                                     =======    =======   ======  ======
Earnings per common share:
 Basic                                 $ .11      $ .16    $ .17   $ .19
                                     =======    =======   ======  ======
 Diluted                               $ .11      $ .16    $ .17   $ .19
                                     =======    =======   ======  ======
Weighted average common shares
outstanding:
 Basic                                10,646     10,516   10,643   9,707
                                     =======    =======   ======   =====
 Diluted                              10,756     10,524   10,720   9,735
                                     =======    ========  ======   =====


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                statements.
<PAGE>
                             
                             Ceanic Corporation
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
                     (in thousands, except share data)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                                               Accumulated
                                  Common Stock    Additional               Other
                                 ----------------   Paid-In  Retained  Comprehensive
                                 Shares    Amount   Capital  Earnings   Income(Loss) Total
                                 ------    ------   -------  --------  ------------- -----
<S>                             <C>        <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>    
Balance at December 31, 1996    6,879,867  $1,373   $42,059   $2,511    $   (98)   $45,845

Issuance of common stock    
  in a stock offering           3,128,315     379    34,871                         35,250
Issuance of common
stock from underwriter's     
  exercise of overallotment
  option                          425,000      52     4,818                          4,870
Issuance of common
stock under exercise of       
  stock                            50,065       4       410                            414
Issuance of common
 stock for asset purchases         48,193       5       495                            500
 
Comprehensive income:
  Net income                                                   1,868                 1,868
  Other comprehensive
   income, net of tax
   (foreign currency                                                 
    translation adjustments                                                 (64)      (64)
                                ---------    ------  ------- ---------    ---------  -------
Comprehensive income                                           1,868         (64)     1,804
                                ---------    ------  ------- ---------    ---------  ------- 
Balance at June 30, 1997       10,531,440   $1,813   $82,653  $4,379      $ (162 )  $88,683
                               ==========   =======  ======= =========    ========= ========
              
Balance at December 31, 1997   10,640,760   $1,824   $84,065  $4,742      $ (380)   $90,251

Issuance of common stock under
  exercise of stock options        35,383        4       393                            397
  
Compensation expense related                                              
  to employee stock options                               50                             50
  
Comprehensive income:
 Net income                                                    1,773                  1,773
Other comprehensive
 income, net of tax
 (foreign currency translation                                              
  adjustments)                                                            (1,213)    (1,213)
                               ----------   --------- -------- -------  ----------- --------
Comprehensive income                                           1,773      (1,213)       560
                               ----------   --------- -------- -------  ----------- --------
Balance at June 30,1998        10,676,143   $ 1,828   $84,508 $6,515    $ (1,593)   $91,258
                               ==========  ========== ======== =======  =========== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                statements.
                             
<PAGE>                             
                             
                             Ceanic Corporation
              Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                               (in thousands)


                                  Three Months Ended      Six Months Ended
                                      June 30,                 June 30,
                                  ------------------     -----------------
                                    1998       1997        1998      1997
(unaudited)
Net cash flows from operating
activities:
  Net income                    $  1,146    $  1,642      $1,773     $1,868
  Non-cash items included in
   net income:
  Depreciation and amortization    3,078       2,258       6,075      4,576
  Net loss (gain) on        
  disposition of assets             (362)        470        (446)       470
  Other                            3,333        (488)      1,061     (8,736)
                                ----------  ----------   ---------  ---------
   Net cash provided by
    (used by) operating       
    activities                     7,195       3,882       8,463     (1,822)

Cash flows from investing
activities:
  Capital expenditures            (9,145)    (11,317)    (18,186)   (13,663)
  Proceeds from sale of assets       481       2,358       1,039      2,358
  Other                              236        (804)        613     (1,135)
                                 ---------  -----------  ---------  ---------  
    Net cash used by investing    
      activities                  (8,428)     (9,763)    (16,534)   (12,440)

Cash flows from financing
activities:
  Proceeds from issuance of          
    common stock                     393          86         396     40,532
  Repayments of term debt           (496)       (483)       (943)    (1,855)
  Net payments (borrowings)
  under line-of-credit                    
  agreement                        2,102         (--)       9,208    (12,618)
                                 ---------  ----------  ---------- ----------
  Net cash provided by (used
  by) financing activities         1,999        (397)       8,661     26,059
                                 --------   ----------  ---------- ---------- 
Net increase (decrease) in           
  cash                               766      (6,278)         590     11,797

 Cash and cash equivalents at
 beginning of period              1,231       19,397        1,407      1,322
                                 -------    ----------  ---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at                            
end of period                   $ 1,997     $ 13,119     $  1,997    $13,119
                                 =======    =========   ========== ==========


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                statements.

<PAGE>


                             Ceanic Corporation
            Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


Note 1 - Organization and Significant Accounting Principles

The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  Ceanic
Corporation  and  its  wholly-owned  and  majority-owned  subsidiaries  (the
"Company" or "Ceanic").  The Company provides  subsea services and products,
including field development services to the offshore  oil  and gas industry,
as well as industrial and governmental customers in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico,
U.S. West Coast, and certain U.S. inland markets, as well as to customers in
the Europe Africa and Asia Pacific Regions.  Operations in the  U.S. Gulf of
Mexico  represent  a  significant  portion  of the Company's business.   The
Company's  primary  customers  include major and  independent  oil  and  gas
companies,  offshore  engineering   and  construction  companies  and  major
pipeline  transmission firms.  All material  intercompany  transactions  and
balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

On June 26,  1998,  the  Company  entered into a definitive merger agreement
with Stolt Comex Seaway S.A. ("Stolt  Comex")  pursuant to which Stolt Comex
will acquire all of the outstanding common stock  of  Ceanic  for $20.00 per
share  in  cash.   The  merger agreement is subject to approval by  Ceanic's
shareholders and other conditions  customary  to  transactions of this type.
The  special  shareholder  meeting  to consider and approve  the  merger  is
scheduled for August 17, 1998 and Ceanic  expects  the  transaction to close
promptly thereafter.

A  description  of  the  organization  and  operations  of the Company,  the
significant  accounting policies followed, and the financial  condition  and
results of operations  as of December 31, 1997, are contained in the audited
consolidated financial statements included in the Company's annual report on
Form  10-K for the year ended  December  31,  1997.   The  unaudited  second
quarter  financial statements contained herein should be read in conjunction
with the audited 1997 financial statements.

The unaudited  financial  statements  at,  and  for the three and six months
ended June 30, 1998 and 1997 and the notes thereto  have  been  prepared  in
accordance   with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  for  interim
financial information  and Rule 10-01 for Regulation S-X.  In the opinion of
management, all adjustments  (consisting  of  normally  recurring  accruals)
considered  necessary  for  a  fair statement of the financial position  and
results of operations have been included.

A reclassification of approximately  $500,000  and $1,000,000 of selling,
general and administrative  expenses  to diving and related expenses was
made to  the  results  of  operations  for  the  three  and six months ended
June 30, 1997 respectively, to conform the classification of such expenses to
the 1998 presentation.

Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily  indicative of the
results  that can be expected for full fiscal years.  The offshore  oilfield
services industry  in  the  Gulf of Mexico is highly seasonal as a result of
weather conditions and the timing of capital expenditures by the oil and gas
industry.   Utilization of the  company's  dive  crews  and  diving  support
vessels ("DSV")  and therefore the related scope and extent of the company's
offshore  diving  operations   are  limited  by  winter  weather  conditions
generally prevailing in the Gulf  of  Mexico and in certain of the Company's
inland markets from December to April.   Although adverse weather conditions
occurring from time to time from May through  November  may  also  adversely
affect  vessel  utilization  and  diving  operations, historically a greater
proportion of the Company's diving services  has  been  performed during the
period from May through November.  In a typical year, the  Company expects a
higher  concentration  of  its  total revenues and net income to  be  earned
during  the  third  (July through September)  and  fourth  (October  through
December) quarters of  its  fiscal  year,  compared  to  the  first (January
through March) and second (April through June) quarters.


Note 2 - Inventories

The major classes of inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
                                                                            
                                                   June 30,  December 31,
                                                     1998         1997
                                                   --------  ------------
                                                  (Unaudited)

Fuel                                               $  213         $  224
Supplies                                            1,491          1,197
Work in Process                                     4,882          2,769
Finished Goods                                        735          1,238
                                                   -------       -------
                                                   $7,321         $5,428
                                                   =======       =======

Note  3  -  Borrowings Under a Line of Credit Agreement

During  the six  months  ended June 30,  1998,  the Company's
revolving   line   of   credit agreement  with  a  bank   was
increased  to $25 million with no other changes  in  terms to
facilitate    the    Company's expanded  working capital  and
capital   requirements.    The agreement expired on April 30,
1998, was extended to July 31, 1998   and  was   subsequently
extended to October 31, 1998. 

Note 4 - Earnings per Share

The Company  adopted Statement of     Financial    Accounting
Standards   No.   128   ("SFAS 128"),  "Earnings  Per Share,"
beginning with the year  ended December  31, 1997.  All prior
period earnings per share data have been restated  to conform
to  the  provisions  of   this statement.  Basic earnings per
common share is computed using the weighted average number of
shares   outstanding  for  the period.  Diluted  earnings per
common share is computed using the weighted average number of
shares outstanding  per common share    adjusted    for   the
incremental  shares attributed to  outstanding   options   to
purchase  common  stock.   The reconciliation   between   the
computations   is  as  follows (table  amounts in  thousands,
except per share data):


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 Weighted Average Shares    Earnings Per Share
                     Net      ----------------------------- ---------------
                    income    Basic    Incremental Diluted  Basic   Diluted
<S>                 <C>       <C>           <C>   <C>       <C>      <C>
Three months ended:
  June 30, 1998     $1,146    10,646        110   10,756    $.11     $.11
  June 30, 1997     $1,642    10,516          8   10,524     .16      .16

Six month ended:
  June 30, 1998     $1,773    10,643         77   10,720    $.17     $.17
  June 30, 1997     $1,868     9,707         28    9,735    $.19     $.19

</TABLE>


Note 5 - Comprehensive Income

As of January 1, 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards  No. 130 ("SFAS 130"), "Reporting Comprehensive Income."  SFAS 130
establishes  new  requirements  for  reporting  comprehensive income and its
components.  Adoption of this statement had no impact  on  the Company's net
income or stockholders' equity for the periods presented.  SFAS 130 requires
unrealized  gains  or  losses on the Company's foreign currency  translation
adjustments,  which  prior   to   adoption   were   reported  separately  in
stockholders' equity, to be included in other comprehensive  income.   Total
comprehensive  income  for  the  six  months  ended  June  30, 1998 and 1997
amounted  to  approximately  $560,000 and $1,804,000, respectively,  and  is
included as a component of stockholders equity.

Note 6 - Commitments and Contingencies

The Company has commitments for  future purchases of capital assets totaling
approximately $22 million at June 30, 1998.

During the second quarter ended June  30,  1998,  the  Company  entered into
commitments to charter three dynamically positioned vessels with  the  first
charter  beginning  in  August 1998.  Two of the agreements provide purchase
options at the end of the charter.  Each of the charters is for a three year
period with total payments  under  the  charter  agreements  aggregating $25
million.


Legal Matters

In November 1996, a large oil and gas company instituted litigation  against
subsidiaries  of  the  Company  in  Edinburgh,  Scotland  seeking damages of
approximately  U.S.  $3,000,000, plus interest and costs, on  the  basis  of
allegations that a product  supplied  by  the  subsidiaries exhibited design
faults upon installation in a North Sea pipeline.   Prior  to  installation,
the  product was hydrostatically tested onshore and during the test  it  did
not leak or otherwise malfunction.  After installation but before oil or gas
flowed  through  the  pipeline  under  pressure, the product was removed and
replaced  by  the  customer  against the recommendations  of  the  Company's
subsidiaries.  The product did  not  leak  and  no  environmental  damage is
alleged.   The  Company  believes,  at this time, that the product was fully
suitable for service and intends to defend  itself  vigorously  against  the
claim,  although no assurance can be given as to the ultimate outcome of the
litigation.   There have been no material developments in the second quarter
ended June 30, 1998.

In November 1997,  an oilfield service company instituted litigation against
the Company in United States Federal Court in New Orleans, Louisiana seeking
damages on the basis  of allegations that the Company had breached the terms
of a time-charter contract.   The  plaintiff leased to the Company a jack-up
derrick barge which had been reoutfitted  by the company and which foundered
and sank on April 27, 1997 while performing  a platform abandonment project.
The plaintiff alleges the losses incurred as a result of the barge's sinking
to be $13 million plus interest and costs, of which the Company had paid the
plaintiff  insurance  proceeds  of $3 million.  The  plaintiff  alleges  the
losses to be in excess of the insured value of the barge.  The plaintiff and
Company  unsuccessfully attempted  to  mediate  this  matter.   The  Company
believes the  barge's  value  was  equal to its insured value and intends to
defend the claim vigorously, although  no  assurance  can be given as to the
ultimate   outcome   of  the  litigation.   There  have  been  no   material
developments in the second quarter ended June 30, 1998.

The Company and certain  of  its  subsidiaries  are  also parties to various
routine  legal  proceedings primarily involving claims for  personal  injury
under the General  Maritime Laws of the United States and the Jones Act as a
result of alleged negligence  or  alleged "unseaworthiness" of the Company's
vessels.   While the outcome of these  lawsuits  cannot  be  predicted  with
certainty, the  Company believes that its insurance coverage with respect to
such claims is adequate  and  that the outcome of all such proceedings, even
if determined adversely, would  not  have  a  material adverse effect on its
business or financial condition or results of operations.

Note 7 - Subsequent Event

On July 13, 1998, the Company entered into a loan agreement with Stolt Comex
for  $15,000,000  to fund the Company's working capital  needs  and  capital
expenditure requirements.   The terms of the loan call for LIBOR plus 2.75%,
and repayment of the loan on October 12, 1998.  The repayment of the loan is
secured by mortgages on two vessels and four remotely operated vehicles.

Item 2.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations.

The following discussion of the  Company's  financial  condition, results of
operations,  and  liquidity  and  capital  resources  should  be   read   in
conjunction  with  the  Company's  consolidated financial statements and the
notes thereto included elsewhere in  this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and
in conjunction with the Company's annual  report  on  Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1997.

On June 26, 1998, the Company entered into  a  definitive  merger  agreement
with  Stolt  Comex  Seaway  S.A.  pursuant  to which Stolt Comex Seaway will
acquire all of the outstanding common stock of  Ceanic  for $20.00 per share
in  cash (the "SCS Acquisition").   The  merger  agreement  is  subject  to 
approval  by   Ceanic's shareholders  and  other  conditions customary to 
transactions of this type. The special shareholder meeting  to  consider  
and  approve  the  SCS Acquisition  is scheduled  for  August  17, 1998 and 
Ceanic expects the transaction to close promptly thereafter.



The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, additional
information on the operating results of the Company in its geographic and
product markets:


                              Three Months Ended June 30, 1998
                                (dollar amounts in thousands)
               ----------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>                            
<CAPTION>
                             
                              Asia   Europe
                 Americas   Pacific  Africa    General      Subsea
                 Region<F2>  Region  Region Contracting<F3>Products<F4> Total
                                     
                 --------   -------  ------ -----------   ---------     -----
<S>              <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>
Revenues         $21,374   $1,731    $3,554    $8,665      $6,404      $41,728

Expenses         $13,021   $1,365    $2,979    $6,940      $3,983      $28,288

Gross profit      $8,353   $  366    $  575    $1,725      $2,421      $13,440

Gross profit              
percentage        39.1%     21.1%     16.2%      19.9%       37.8%        32.2%


                           Three Months Ended June 30, 1997<F1>
                               (dollar amounts in thousands)
                  -----------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)


                              Asia   Europe
                 Americas   Pacific  Africa    General      Subsea
                 Region<F2>  Region  Region Contracting<F3>Products<F4> Total
                                     
                 --------   -------  ------ -----------   ---------     -----


Revenues         $17,025    $  298    $2,738      $3,823    $4,293    $28,177
                
Expenses         $10,177    $  153    $1,860      $3,021    $2,586    $17,797

Gross profit      $6,848    $  145   $   878      $  802    $1,707    $10,380

Gross profit             
percentage           40.2%     48.7%     32.1%       21.0%     39.8%      36.8%



(F1)  Certain amounts presented in the 1997 results of operations have been
      reclassified to conform with the 1998 presentation.

(F2)  Includes operations in the Company's Americas Region, which encompasses diving,
      intervention technology, vessel and related services, all of which were
      performed in the Gulf of Mexico.

(F3)  Includes diving and related services in U.S. inland markets, off the U.S. West
      Coast and in Latin America.

(F4)  Includes manufacturing and marketing of Big Inch pipeline connectors, Tarpon
      marginal well production systems, Tarpon Concrete Storage Systems and Ceanic
      Hard Suits Inc. products.

</TABLE>
                        Six Months Ended June 30, 1998
                         (dollar amounts in thousands)
              ----------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              Asia   Europe
                 Americas   Pacific  Africa    General      Subsea
                 Region<F2>  Region  Region Contracting<F3>Products<F4> Total
                                     
                 --------   -------  ------ -----------   ---------     -----
<S>              <C>        <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>           <C>
Revenues         $40,694    $2,845    $5,254   $15,811   $13,141       $77,745

Expenses         $25,221    $2,491    $4,491   $13,116    $7,925       $53,244

Gross profit     $15,473    $  354    $  763    $2,695    $5,216       $24,501

Gross profit   
 percentage         38.0%     12.4%     14.5%     17.0%     39.7%        31.5%


                               Six Months Ended June 30, 1997
                              (dollar amounts in thousands)<F1>
                     -------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)

                              Asia   Europe
                 Americas   Pacific  Africa    General      Subsea
                 Region<F2>  Region  Region Contracting<F3>Products<F4> Total
                                     
                 --------   -------  ------ -----------   ---------     -----

Revenues         $30,486    $  298    $5,579    $11,612   $8,778       $56,753

Expenses         $20,234    $  153    $3,467     $9,143   $5,122       $38,119

Gross profit     $10,252    $  145    $2,112     $2,469   $3,656       $18,634

Gross profit                 
percentage          33.6%    48.7%     37.9%       21.3%    41.6%         32.8%
                                                                          



(F1)  Certain amounts presented in the 1997 results of operations have been
      reclassified to conform with the 1998 presentation.

(F2)  Includes operations in the Company's Americas Region, which encompasses diving,
      intervention technology, vessel and related services, all of which were
      performed in the Gulf of Mexico.

(F3)  Includes diving and related services in U.S. inland markets, off the U.S. West
      Coast and in Latin America.

(F4)  Includes manufacturing and marketing of Big Inch pipeline connectors, Tarpon
      marginal well production systems, Tarpon Concrete Storage Systems and Ceanic
      Hard Suits Inc. products.

</TABLE>

Results of Operations

The Company experienced solid growth and profitability in the second quarter
ended June 30, 1998 with revenue increasing from $28.2  million  in  1997 to
$41.7  million in the current quarter.  Excluding the impact of $1.1 million
in pre-tax restructuring charges, net income would have been $1.8 million
for the current quarter compared  to  $1.6  million in the second quarter of
1997.   Reported  income,  including  the restructuring  charges,  was  $1.1
million for the three months ended June 30, 1998.

For the six months ended June 30, 1998,  revenue growth was also strong with
revenues increasing from $56.8 million to  $77.7  million.  Net income would
have  been $2.4 million excluding the restructuring  charges  ($1.8  million
including  the  restructuring  charges)  compared to $1.9 million in the six
month period of 1997.

The results of operations for both the three  and  six months ended June 30,
1998  reflect  the  Company's emerging position as a deepwater  intervention
technology provider.   Demand  for  the  Company's  services in the Americas
Region  has  been significantly impacted by the addition  in  late  1997  of
several new deepwater  assets  including  the  American Defender, a 220-foot
dynamically  positioned  (DP)  vessel,  and several  new  remotely  operated
vehicles (ROVs).  At the same time, the Americas Region's core diving market
continued to grow.

The Products Division recorded strong sales  in  the  three  and  six months
ended  June 30, 1998.  The Field Development Group completed the fabrication
and installation  of  a  Tarpon  Guyed  Monotower  in Indonesia.  Hard Suits
completed its manufacturing of a HARDSUIT(TM) diving  suit  for  delivery to
the  Italian  Navy  and  substantially  completed  work  on  its  U.S.  Navy
contracts.    The  Big  Inch  and  Concrete  Storage  Divisions  experienced
continued strong demand for their products in the first six months of 1998.

Despite a slow  start  in  the  first  quarter  1998  results,  the  General
Contracting  Division  activity levels rebounded in the second quarter as  a
result of a strong backlog  and  work  beginning on several recently awarded
projects.

These generally strong operating results  in  the Company's domestic markets
have  continued  to  be  offset  by  lower than expected  results  from  the
Company's international expansion strategy.   However, in the second quarter
of 1998, activity and profitability levels in both  West Africa and the Asia
Pacific Region increased over that of the first quarter of 1998.  Management
continues to develop Ceanic's market presence in its  international regions,
but  is  currently  evaluating  the  cost structure of operations  in  those
regions in an effort to make them more cost effective.

Although selling, general and administrative  expenses  continue to increase
as  the  Company expands into deepwater Gulf of Mexico markets  and  certain
international  markets,  as a percentage of revenues, SG&A decreased from 21%
in the second quarter of 1997  to  17%  in  the  second quarter of 1998.  In
connection with an initiative to reduce SG&A, the  Company  recorded  a 
charge of approximately $1.1 million as a result of severance  and
related costs associated with layoffs of approximately 30 persons, severance
arrangements for two executive officers and closure of four offices, as well
as  costs  incurred  in  connection  with the pending sale of the Company to
Stolt Comex.

The  Company's  results of operations will  generally  vary  from  reporting
period to reporting  period depending in large part on the location and type
of work being performed, the mix of the marine services being performed, the
season of the year and  the  job conditions encountered.  Weather conditions
in  the  Gulf of Mexico and in certain  of  the  Company's  inland  markets,
particularly  the  winter weather conditions that are generally present from
December through April,  substantially  reduce the work that could otherwise
be performed by the Company's dive crews  and  limit  the utilization of the
Company's support vessels in the Gulf of Mexico.  The Company expects winter
weather patterns and other adverse weather conditions to continue to have an
adverse  effect  on the Company's diving operations, both  in  the  Gulf  of
Mexico and elsewhere.

During the six months  ended June 30, 1998, the Company has made commitments
to add several DP vessels to its fleet over the course of 1998.  The Company
committed to purchase the  Ceanic Legend, a 240-foot DP vessel in the fourth
quarter of 1998.  The Company  also  committed to three-year charters of the
Ceanic  Invincible and the Ceanic Rover,  two  234-foot  DP  vessels.   Both
charter agreements  provide  purchase  options  at  the  end  of the charter
period.   Finally,  the Company entered into a three-year charter  beginning
August 1998 for the Kommandor  3000,  a  313-foot multi-purpose construction
vessel.  The owner of this vessel has notified the Company of its intention
to terminate the charter party as a result of the SCS Acquisition.  The
Company disputes the basis of this termination.

On May 1, 1998, Rodney W.  Stanley resigned as President and Chief Executive
Officer and director and Kevin  C.  Peterson was elected President and Chief
Executive Officer; Peterson has been  with the Company for approximately one
year, serving as its Chief Operating Officer and director.  Prior to joining
Ceanic,  Peterson  served  in  various capacities  with  the  Coflexip-Stena
Offshore group, most recently as  President  and  Chief Executive Officer of
Coflexip-Stena Offshore USA and Perry Tritech.

On April 16, 1998, the Company's Chief Financial Officer,  Cathy  M.  Green,
resigned  her  position  and Bradley M. Parro was appointed as the Company's
new  Vice  President-Finance   and   Chief  Financial  Officer.   Parro  has
approximately 18 years of financial management  experience.  Parro served as
CFO  of  Perry  Tritech, an international subsea robotics  manufacturer  and
subsidiary of Coflexip-Stena  for  the  past  seven  years.  Prior to Perry,
Parro  served  in  various  financial  management capacities  with  a  large
telecommunications manufacturer including  manager of financial planning and
analysis.  Parro graduated from the University  of  Illinois with a Bachelor
of Science in Finance and earned an MBA from Loyola University of Chicago.

Three Months Ended June 30, 1998 Compared to Three  Months  Ended  June  30,
1997

Revenues.   The  Company's consolidated revenues increased $13.5 million, or
48%, from $28.2 million  for  the  three months ended June 30, 1997 to $41.7
million for the current quarter.  The increase was primarily attributable to
increased demand in the Americas Region  for  the Company's services related
to  its  newly  acquired  deepwater  ROVs  and vessels as well as its core
diving business.   The  Company  also experienced  increased  activity for
its General  Contracting  Division  and increased demand for its subsea
products in the second quarter of 1998.

Diving and related expenses.   The Company's consolidated diving and related
expenses increased $10.5 million,  or  59%, from $17.8 million for the three
months  ended June 30, 1997 to $28.3 million  for  the  current  three-month
period.   The  increase was primarily attributable to the increased activity
levels of the Americas  Region, and General Contracting and  Subsea Products
divisions, as discussed above.

Selling,  general  and  administrative   expenses.    Selling,  general  and
administrative  expenses  increased  $1.4 million or 24%,  to  $7.2  million
during the second quarter of 1998, compared  to  $5.8  million  for the same
period  of  1997.   The increase was primarily attributable to the Company's
international  expansion  into  Southeast  Asia  and  Europe,  coupled  with
supporting  the  increased   activity   levels   and   deepwater  management
infrastructure in the Americas Region.

Beginning  in  1998, the Company began classifying certain  costs  that  had
previously been  presented  in  selling, general and administrative expenses
into direct expenses to better report  the  nature of the expenses.  Amounts
totaling approximately $500,000 presented in the statement of operations for
the three months ended June 30, 1997 have been  reclassified to conform with
this presentation.

Depreciation  and  amortization.   Depreciation and  amortization  increased
$820,000 or 36%, to $3.1 million for the second quarter of 1998, compared to
$2.3  million  for the second quarter  of  1997  primarily  due  to  capital
expenditures made  in  1997  for  ROV's,  diving  equipment,  a  dynamically
positioned  vessel  and  upgrades  to  other  vessels in the Gulf of Mexico.
Depreciation and amortization also increased as  a result of assets acquired
for  the  Company's new operation in Southeast Asia  and  expansion  of  its
Europe Africa region.

Restructuring charges.  In connection with an initiative to reduce SG&A, the
Company recorded charge of approximately $1.1 million in the three month
period ended June 30, 1998 as a result of severance and related
costs  associated  with  layoffs  of  approximately  30  persons,  severance
arrangements for two executive officers and closure of four offices, as well
as costs  incurred  in  connection  with  the pending sale of the Company to
Stolt Comex Seaway S.A.

Other expense.  During the current quarter,  other  expense (net) of $23,000
was comprised of interest expense of $389,000, partially offset by a gain on
the  disposal  of  assets  of  $362,000  and other income of  $4,000.   This
compares to other income (net) of $537,000  for  the  comparable  period  of
1997, which was comprised of gains on the disposal of assets of $470,000 and
interest  income  of  $236,000,  partially  offset  by  interest  expense of
$169,000.

Net  income.   As  a  result  of  the  factors  discussed above, the Company
recorded  net  income of $1.1 million, or $.11 per  share  (basic and diluted)
on  10.6 million weighted  average  common shares for the three months ended
June 30, 1998, compared to net income  of  $1.6 million, or $.16 per share 
(basic and diluted) on 10.5 million weighted average common shares for the 
same period of 1997.

Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 1997

Revenues.  The Company's consolidated  revenues  increased $20.9 million, or
37%,  from $56.8 million for the six months ended June  30,  1997  to  $77.7
million  for  the  current  six  month  period.   The increase was primarily
attributable to increased demand in the Americas Region  for  the  Company's
services  related  to  its  newly acquired deepwater ROVs and vessels as well as
its core diving business.   The Company also experienced increased  activity
 for  its  General  Contracting Division  and  increased  demand  for  its
 subsea products in the six months
ended June 30, 1998.

Diving and related expenses.  The Company's  consolidated diving and related
expenses increased $15.1 million, or 40%, from  $38.1  million  for  the six
months  ended  June  30,  1997  to  $53.2  million for the current six-month
period.  The increase was primarily attributable  to  the increased activity
levels of the Americas Region, and General Contracting  and  Subsea Products
divisions, as discussed above.

Selling,   general  and  administrative  expenses.   Selling,  general   and
administrative  expenses  increased  $2.7  million  or 24%, to $13.8 million
during the six months ended June 30, 1998, compared to $11.1 million for the
same  period  of  1997.   The  increase  was primarily attributable  to  the
Company's international expansion into Southeast  Asia  and  Europe, coupled
with  supporting  the  increased  activity  levels  and deepwater management
infrastructure in the Americas Region.

Beginning  in  1998, the Company began classifying certain  costs  that  had
previously been  presented  in  selling, general and administrative expenses
into direct expenses to better report  the  nature of the expenses.  Amounts
totaling approximately $1,000,000 presented in  the  statement of operations
for  the  six months ended June 30, 1997 have been reclassified  to  conform
with this presentation.

Depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization increased $1.5
million or  33%,  to  $6.1  million  for the six months ended June 30, 1998,
compared  to $4.6 million for the same  period  of  1997  primarily  due  to
capital expenditures made in 1997 for ROV's, diving equipment, a dynamically
positioned  vessel  and  upgrades  to  other  vessels in the Gulf of Mexico.
Depreciation and amortization also increased as  a result of assets acquired
for  the  Company's new operation in Southeast Asia  and  expansion  of  its
Europe Africa region.

Restructuring charges.  In connection with an initiative to reduce SG&A, the
Company recorded a charge of approximately $1.1 million in the six month
period  ended  June  30, 1998 as a result of severance and related
costs  associated  with  layoffs  of  approximately  30  persons,  severance
arrangements for two executive officers and closure of four offices, as well
as costs incurred in connection with  the  pending  sale  of  the Company to
Stolt Comex Seaway S.A.

Other expense.  During the current six-month period, other expense  (net) of
$467,000 was comprised of interest expense of $943,000, partially offset  by
a  gain  on  the disposal of assets of $446,000 and other income of $30,000.
This compares to other income (net) of $332,000 for the comparable period of
1997, which was comprised of gains on the disposal of assets of $470,000 and
interest income  of  $342,000,  partially  offset  by  interest  expense  of
$480,000.

Net  income.   As  a  result  of  the  factors  discussed above, the Company
recorded  net  income of $1.8 million, or $.17 per  share  (basic and diluted)
on  10.6 million weighted  average  common  shares  for the six months ended
June 30, 1998, compared to net income of $1.9 million,  or  $.19 per share 
(basic and diluted) on 9.7 million weighted average common shares for the same
period of 1997.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The  Company's  primary  liquidity  needs are, generally,  to  fund  working
capital requirements and to make capital  expenditures  for acquisitions of,
and improvements to, its facilities, its DSVs, diving and related equipment,
and   other  capital  equipment.  The  Company  also  incurs  expenses   for
mobilization and project execution on an ongoing basis throughout the course
of its  contracts,  while  collections from customers typically do not occur
until approximately 90 to 120  days  after completing the project, including
the  approximately  30 days required to  invoice  completed  projects.   The
Company has traditionally  supported  these  working capital requirements by
using a combination of internally generated funds  and  short-term and long-
term debt.

The  Company has a revolving line of credit agreement with  a  bank  at  the
prime rate that is limited and secured by eligible accounts receivable up to
a maximum  borrowing  of  $25  million.   The agreement expired on April 30,
1998,  was extended until July 31, 1998 and  was  subsequently  extended  to
October  31,  1998.   At  August 13, 1998, the balance outstanding under the
line was $12.8 million and,  based  on  eligible accounts receivable at that
time, the remaining balance available to borrow was $6.6 million.

On July 13, 1998, the Company entered into a loan agreement with Stolt Comex
for  $15 million to fund the Company's working  capital  needs  and  capital
expenditure  requirements.  The terms of the loan call for LIBOR plus 2.75%,
and repayment  of  the loan on October 12, 1998.  The debt is secured by two
vessels and four ROVs.

The Company has a long-term  note  with  a  bank at a fixed interest rate of
7.9%.  At June 30, 1998 the outstanding principal  balance  of  the note was
$7,375,000.   The  terms  of the note require monthly principal payments  of
$125,000, plus interest, with  a  balloon payment of $3.1 million due on May
31, 2001.  This debt is secured by eleven DSVs and certain diving equipment.
Also at June 30, 1998, the Company  has  various government assistance notes
which  are  non-interest  bearing, unsecured  and  are  payable  in  various
installments through July 1999.

During 1998, the Company has  made  certain  commitments,  both  in terms of
capital  expenditures  as  well  as  long-term charters agreements, for  the
addition  of  remotely operated vehicles  and  four  dynamically  positioned
vessels that will  require  significant  amounts  of  liquidity  and capital
resources.   The  charter  agreements  call  for  aggregate payments of  $25
million  over  a  three  year  period  and  the  purchase  commitments   are
approximately  $22  million at June 30, 1998.  Although the Company does not
have firm arrangements  in  place  at  this time for its long-term financing
needs, and the existing line of credit facility  is  in the process of being
renewed, the Company believes that it will be able to  finalize  its overall
financing  arrangements  in  the  near term and that such financing, coupled
with cash flows from operations and  other  sources, will provide sufficient
funds to meet its working capital and capital  expenditure  requirements for
1998.

Net  cash  provided by operating activities was $7.2 million for  the  three
months ended  June  30,  1998  compared  to  $3.9  million used by operating
activities for the comparable prior year period.  Changes in cash flows from
operating  activities  are  primarily  due  to  timing differences  in  cash
received from customers and cash paid to employees and suppliers.

For  the  most  recent  three  month  period,  net cash  used  by  investing
activities was approximately $8.4 million, which  consisted  mainly  of $9.1
million  expended  for  the  acquisition  of  and  improvements to operating
assets, partially offset by proceeds of $481,000 received  from the disposal
of  assets and a decrease of $236,000 in other assets.  For the  same  three
month  period  of  the prior year, net cash used by investing activities was
approximately $9.8 million,  which  consisted  primarily  of  $11.3  million
expended  for  the  acquisition  of and improvements to operating assets and
$804,000 for other assets, partially  offset  by  proceeds  of  $2.4 million
received from the disposal of assets.

Cash flows provided by financing activities were approximately $2.0  million
for  the  three  months  ended  June 30, 1998, primarily attributable to net
borrowings of $2.1 million on the line of credit agreement and proceeds from
the  issuance  of  common stock from  employee  stock  option  exercises  of
$393,000, partially  offset by repayments of $496,000 on term debt.  For the
same  three  months  of  1997,   cash   used   by  financing  activities  of
approximately  $397,000  was  attributable  to  payments  on  term  debt  of
$483,000,  offset  by  proceeds of $86,000 from issuance  of  the  Company's
common stock from employee stock option exercises.

Net cash provided by operating  activities  was  $8.5  million  for  the six
months  ended  June  30,  1998  compared  to  $1.8 million used by operating
activities for the comparable prior year period.  Changes in cash flows from
operating  activities  are  primarily  due  to timing  differences  in  cash
received from customers and cash paid to employees and suppliers.

For the most recent six month period, net cash  used by investing activities
was approximately $16.5 million, which consisted  mainly  of  $18.2  million
expended  for  the  acquisition  of  and  improvements  to operating assets,
partially offset by proceeds of $1.0 million received from  the  disposal of
assets  and a decrease of $613,000 in other assets.  For the same six  month
period of  the  prior  year,  net  cash  used  by  investing  activities was
approximately  $12.4  million,  which  consisted primarily of $13.7  million
expended for the acquisition of and improvements  to  operating  assets  and
$1.1 million  for other assets, partially offset by proceeds of $2.4 million
received from the disposal of assets.

Cash  flows provided by financing activities were approximately $8.7 million
for the  six  months  ended  June  30,  1998,  primarily attributable to net
borrowings of $9.2 million on the line of credit agreement and proceeds from
the  issuance  of  common  stock  from employee stock  option  exercises  of
$396,000, partially offset by repayments  of $943,000 on term debt.  For the
same  six  months  of  1997,  cash  provided  by  financing   activities  of
approximately  $26.1  million was attributable to proceeds of $40.5  million
from issuance of the Company's common stock, offset by payments on term debt
of $1.9 million and on the line of credit agreement of $12.6 million.

Impact of the Year 2000

   The Company has assessed  and  continues to assess the impact of the Year
2000 on its reporting systems and operations.   The  year  2000 issue is the
result of computer programs being written using two digits rather  than four
to define the applicable year.  Any of the Company's computer programs  that
have  date-sensitive  software  may  recognize a date using "00" as the year
1900 rather than the year 2000.  This  could  potentially result in a system
failure  or miscalculations causing disruptions  of  operations,  including,
among other  things,  a  temporary  inability  to process transactions, send
invoices, or engage in other similar normal business activities.

   The Company had planned, independent of Year 2000 concerns, to implement
new computer accounting and management  information  software to increase
operational  efficiencies  and information analysis and,  to  that end,
purchased software and committed to implement the software over the  course
of  early  1998  to  mid 1999.  The Company believes that, with the
implementation of this new software, most or all Year 2000 issues should be
resolved  for  the Company's accounting and management systems.  The Company
believes, at this  time,  that the cost of  the implementation of the new
software will not have a material  adverse effect  on  the  Company's
consolidated  financial  position  or results of operations.  Although the
Company is still assessing the impact  of the Year 2000 issue on its other
operating systems, at this time the Company believes it will not have a
material impact on the Company's financial position  or results of operations.

   The Company  has  not yet initiated formal communications with all of its
significant  suppliers  and  vendors  to  ensure  that  those  parties  have
appropriate plans  to  address  year  2000  issues  where they may otherwise
impact the operations of the Company; however, the Company does not have any
significant suppliers or vendors that directly interface  with the Company's
information technology systems.  There is no guarantee that  the  systems of
other  companies  on  which the Company relies will be converted timely  and
will not have an adverse effect on the Company.

New Accounting Pronouncement

In April 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued
Statement of Position 98-5  (SOP  98-5), "Reporting on the Costs of Start-up
Activities,"  which  requires that start-up  costs,  including  organization
costs, be expensed as incurred.  The Company plans to adopt SOP 98-5 for the
year ended December 31,  1999.   The  Company  is  currently  evaluating the
impact  of  this  statement  on  its  financial  position  and  results   of
operations.

                        PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


Item 6.Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

     (a)Exhibits

     27.1 Financial Data Schedule

     99.1 Press Release dated June 30, 1998 regarding the execution of
          the merger agreement between Stolt Comex Seaway, S.A. and
          Ceanic Corporation relating to SCS's acquisition of Ceanic for
          $20 per share cash.

     99.2 Press Release dated August 6, 1998 regarding Ceanic's profitable
          1998 second quarter.

     (b)Reports on Form 8-K


       Date of Report                 Item Reported:

        May 14, 1998                  Item 5 announcing Ceanic's 1998
                                      first quarter earnings and other
                                      matters.




                                 SIGNATURES


Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report  to  be  signed  on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.




                                          CEANIC CORPORATION


Date:  August 13,  1998                   /s/ Bradley M. Parro
                                         ______________________________
                                              Bradley M. Parro
                                          Vice President - Finance, and 
                                           Chief  Financial Officer
                                           (Principal Financial and 
                                              Accounting Officer)


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION FROM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>                    
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS                  
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998 
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1998 
<CASH>                                           1,997 
<SECURITIES>                                         0 
<RECEIVABLES>                                   35,668 
<ALLOWANCES>                                       757 
<INVENTORY>                                      7,321 
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                72,795
<PP&E>                                          75,701 
<DEPRECIATION>                                  30,414 
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 162,915
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           58,389  
<BONDS>                                              0  
                                0  
                                          0  
<COMMON>                                         1,828  
<OTHER-SE>                                      89,430  
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   162,915  
<SALES>                                         41,728  
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                41,728  
<CGS>                                           28,288  
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   39,684  
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                    23
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   221  
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 389  
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  2,021  
<INCOME-TAX>                                       875  
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              1,146  
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0  
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0  
<CHANGES>                                            0  
<NET-INCOME>                                     1,146  
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .11  
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .11  
        


</TABLE>

                                                     EXHIBIT 99.1


NEWS RELEASE
For further information contact:
Kevin C. Peterson
Ceanic Corporation
Chief Executive Officer
(713) 430-1100

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1998

              STOLT COMEX SEAWAY AND CEANIC ANNOUNCE EXECUTION
              OF MERGER AGREEMENT RELATING TO SCS'S ACQUISTION
                      OF CEANIC FOR $20 PER SHARE CASH

  Houston,  Texas  - June 29, 1998 - Stolt Comex Seaway S.A. (NASDAQ: SCSWF;
OSE:  SCS) and Ceanic  Corporation  (NASDAQ:   DIVE) today jointly announced
the signing of a merger agreement for Stolt Comex  Seaway  to acquire all of
the outstanding common stock of Ceanic for $20 per share in  cash,  or about
$222  million.   The  two  companies announced the execution of a letter  of
intent related to the combination transaction earlier this month.

  The  merger  agreement  is subject  to  Ceanic  shareholder  approval  and
conditions customary to transactions  of  this  type, including governmental
approval, and includes a termination fee.  Due diligence  has generally been
completed and Ceanic expects the transaction to close as early as mid-August
1998.

  Stolt  Comex  Seaway  is a leading subsea contractor to the  oil  and  gas
industry, specializing in  technologically sophisticated subsea engineering,
flowline  lay,  construction,  inspection  and  maintenance  services.   The
company operates  in Europe, the Middle East, West Africa, Asia Pacific, and
the Americas.

  Ceanic  is  a  leading   provider   of   diving   services,   intervention
technologies,  subsea  products, field development, general contracting  and
marine  construction  services  to  offshore,  governmental  and  industrial
customers in the U.S. and internationally.

  This news release contains  forward  looking  statements as defined in the
U.S.  Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform Act of  1995.   Actual  future
results and trends could differ materially  from  those  set  forth  in such
statements due to various factors.  Additional information concerning  these
factors  is contained from time to time in Stolt Comex Seaway's and Ceanic's
U.S. SEC filings,  including  but not limited to Stolt Comex Seaway's report
on form 20-F for the year ended November 30, 1997 and Ceanic's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year  ended  December  30,  1997,  respectively.
Copies of these filings may be obtained by contacting the Companies  or  the
SEC.



                                    # # # #


                                             EXHIBIT 99.2

NEWS RELEASE

For further information contact:
Kevin C. Peterson                             Bradley M. Parro
Chief Executive Officer                       Chief Financial Officer
(713) 430-1100                                (713) 430-1100


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 1998

              CEANIC ANNOUNCES PROFITABLE 1998 SECOND QUARTER

  Houston, Texas - Ceanic Corporation (NASDAQ: DIVE) today announced revenue
of  $41.7  million  and net income of $1.8 million ($0.17 per share) for the
second quarter ended  June  30,  1998 compared with revenue of $28.2 million
and net income of $1.6 million ($0.16  per share) for the same period a year
ago.  However, as a result of approximately  $1.1  million in non-recurring,
pre-tax  restructuring  charges, the Company reported  net  income  of  $1.1
million or $0.11 per share.

  For the six months ended June 30, 1998, net income was $2.4 million ($0.22
per share) on revenue of  $77.7  million,  compared  to  net  income of $1.9
million  ($0.19  per  share) on revenue of $56.8 million for the six  months
ended June 30, 1997.  However, as a result of the non-recurring charges, the
Company reported net income of $1.8 million or $0.17 per share.

  "We are pleased with  our  second  quarter  results and note our deepwater
intervention  technology strategy is providing solid  returns,"  said  Kevin
Peterson, Ceanic's  President and CEO.  "Our Americas Region is particularly
busy and profitable,  exceeding  even  our  own internal expectations, which
unfortunately, is partially offset by lower than  expected  results from our
international expansion strategy.  Moreover, in spite of weaker  oil prices,
our activity levels in the Gulf have remained high."

  Revenue  increased  by  $13.6  million  or  48% primarily due to increased
demand  in the Americas Region for the Company's  services  related  to  its
newly  acquired   deepwater  ROVs  and  vessels.   Ceanic  also  experienced
increased activity  in its General Contracting Division and increased demand
for its subsea products in the second quarter of 1998.

  Ceanic's gross profit  margins  decreased from 36.8% in the second quarter
of 1997 to 32.2% in the current quarter  primarily  as  a  result  of  lower
margins in its international regions and Subsea Products Division.

  Ceanic's  SG&A increased 25% to $7.2 million in the second quarter of 1998
compared to $5.8  million  for  the  prior year quarter primarily due to the
Company's international expansion into  Southeast  Asia  and Europe, coupled
with  supporting  the  increased  activity  levels  in the Americas  Region.
However, as a percentage of revenue, SG&A for the second  quarter  decreased
to 17%, down from 21% for the same period of last year and down from  18% in
the first quarter of 1998.  In connection with its previously announced SG&A
reduction  initiative  completed  in  July 1998, the Company recorded a non-
recurring charge of approximately $1.1  million as a result of severance and
related costs associated with layoffs of approximately 30 persons, severance
arrangements for two executive officers and closure of four offices, as well
as costs incurred in connection with the  pending  sale  of  the  Company to
Stolt  Comex  Seaway  S.A.   The  SG&A initiative is expected to reduce  the
Company's annualized SG&A run rate by approximately 15% which is expected to
be realized in the 1998 third quarter.

  Ceanic's  depreciation and amortization  expense  increased  36%  to  $3.1
million for the  second  quarter  of  1998  compared  to $2.3 million in the
second quarter of 1997.  This increase is primarily attributable  to capital
expenditures made in 1997 for additions to the Company's product and service
offerings, particularly in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico market.

  As previously announced, Stolt Comex Seaway S.A. and Ceanic have  executed
a  definitive  merger  agreement  pursuant  to which Stolt Comex Seaway will
acquire all of the outstanding common stock of  Ceanic  for $20.00 per share
in  cash.   The  merger  agreement  is  subject  to  approval  by   Ceanic's
shareholders  and  other  conditions customary to transactions of this type.
The special shareholder meeting  to  consider  and  approve  the  merger  is
scheduled  for  August  17, 1998 and Ceanic expects the transaction to close
promptly thereafter.

Regional Review/Outlook

Americas Region

  Ceanic's Americas Region  continued to experience strong operating results
in the second quarter of 1998  with  revenues  increasing by $4.3 million or
26% over the prior year quarter and overall gross  profit  margins remaining
stable from period to period. The most significant activity  increases  came
from  the  utilization  of  deepwater  ROVs  and  vessels  which include the
American  Defender,  a  220  foot  dynamically positioned vessel  placed  in
service in late 1997, as well as the  growth  of  the  Company's core diving
business.

Asia Pacific Region

  Although  both  activity  and profitability of this region  have  steadily
improved in the second quarter  of  1998  compared  to  earlier in the year,
management is disappointed by the region's results and continues to evaluate
its market presence in this Asia Pacific Region.

Europe Africa Region

  In the second quarter of 1998, activity in West Africa increased over that
of  the  first  few  months of 1998 as well as the second quarter  of  1997;
however, results were well below Ceanic's expectations.  The Aberdeen office
did not contribute to  the  1998  second  quarter  results  due to a lack of
marketable  assets; however, two ROVs have been deployed to this  region  to
pursue available opportunities.

General Contracting Division

  As a result  of  a  strong  backlog and work beginning on several recently
awarded projects, Ceanic's General  Contracting  Division experienced strong
second quarter results with revenues increasing 127%  from  $3.8  million in
the  second  quarter of 1997 to $8.7 million in the second quarter of  1998.
Gross profit percentages remained stable from period to period.

Subsea Products

  Ceanic's Products  Division experienced strong sales in the second quarter
of 1998.  The Field Development group completed the installation of a Tarpon
Guyed Monotower in Indonesia.    Hard Suits completed its manufacturing of a
HARDSUIT(TM) diving suit for delivery  to  the  Italian  Navy  and continued
progress  on  U.S.  Navy  contracts.   The  Big  Inch  and  Concrete Storage
Divisions continued to experience strong demand for their products.

  Statements in this press release regarding profitability of the Company in
general;  utilization  and dayrates in the Gulf of Mexico; opportunities  in
the General Contracting,  Asia  Pacific and Europe Africa markets; and other
statements included herein that are  not  statements  of historical fact are
forward-looking statements involving factors that could cause actual results
to vary materially from those predicted.  Other forward-looking  statements,
including  statements as to the Company's profitability, depend upon,  among
other things,  prices  of  crude  oil and natural gas, weather conditions in
offshore  markets,  capital expenditures  by  customers  and  the  Company's
ability to procure large turnkey projects.

      Ceanic  is  a  leading   provider  of  diving  services,  intervention
technologies, subsea products, field  development,  general  contracting and
marine  construction  services  to  offshore,  governmental  and  industrial
customers in the U.S. and internationally.

                            Tables follow . . .



                             CEANIC CORPORATION
         Consolidated Results of Operations and Financial Position
               ($ in thousands except for per share amounts)


                                      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
                                          June 30,               June 30,
                                          --------               --------
Income Statement                        1998   1997(F1)       1998    1997(F1)
                                        ----   -----          ----     ----
Revenues                             $41,728   $28,177       $77,745  $56,753

Gross profit                          13,440    10,380        24,501  18,634

Selling, general and administrative 
  expenses                             7,247     5,782        13,765  11,117
Depreciation and amortization          3,078     2,258         6,075   4,576
Restructuring charges                  1,071         -         1,071       -
                                     --------  --------      ------- --------

Operating income                       2,044     2,340         3,590   2,941
Other  income (expense), net            (23)       537         (467)     332
                                     --------  --------      ------- --------
Income before income taxes             2,021     2,877         3,123   3,273
Income tax provision                     875     1,235         1,350   1,405

Net income                            $1,146    $1,642       $ 1,773  $1,868
                                      ======    ======       =======  ======
Net income per share                  $  .11    $  .16       $   .17  $  .19
                                      ======    ======       =======  ======
Weighted average shares outstanding   10,646    10,516        10,643   9,707
                                      ======   =======       =======  ======
Operational Data
Dive crew days                        13,112    12,284        23,530  23,809
Dive crews per day                       144       135           130     132
Diving support vessel utilization        44%       54%           44%      51%
Earnings before interest, taxes,
  depreciation and 
  amortization (EBITDA)              $5,122    $4,598        $9,665   $7,517
EBITDA as % of revenue                 12.3%     16.3%         12.4%    13.2%
SG&A as % of revenue                   17.4%     20.5%         17.7%    19.6%
Gross profit %                         32.2%     36.8%         31.5%     2.8%


                                                   June 30,      December 31,
Balance Sheet                                        1998             1997
                                                    -------          ------
Assets:                                             
Current assets                                      $72,795         $55,286
Other long-term assets                               90,120          79,014
                                                   ---------       ---------
Total assets                                       $162,915        $134,300
                                                   =========       =========
Liabilities & Stockholders' Equity:
Current liabilities                                 $58,389         $29,698
Long-term debt                                        7,252          $8,060
Other liabilities                                     6,016           6,291
Stockholders' equity                                 91,258          90,251
                                                   ---------       ---------
Total liabilities & stockholders equity            $162,915        $134,300
                                                   ==========      =========

<F1> Certain  amounts  presented in the results of operations for the three
and six months ended June  30,  1997  have been reclassified to conform with
the 1998 presentation.

                                  More...


                              Three Months Ended June 30, 1998
                                (dollar amounts in thousands)
               ----------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>                            
<CAPTION>
                             
                              Asia   Europe
                 Americas   Pacific  Africa    General      Subsea
                 Region<F2>  Region  Region Contracting<F3>Products<F4> Total
                                     
                 --------   -------  ------ -----------   ---------     -----
<S>              <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>
Revenues         $21,374   $1,731    $3,554    $8,665      $6,404      $41,728

Expenses         $13,021   $1,365    $2,979    $6,940      $3,983      $28,288

Gross profit      $8,353   $  366    $  575    $1,725      $2,421      $13,440

Gross profit              
percentage        39.1%     21.1%     16.2%      19.9%       37.8%        32.2%


                           Three Months Ended June 30, 1997<F1>
                               (dollar amounts in thousands)
                  -----------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)


                              Asia   Europe
                 Americas   Pacific  Africa    General      Subsea
                 Region<F2>  Region  Region Contracting<F3>Products<F4> Total
                                     
                 --------   -------  ------ -----------   ---------     -----


Revenues         $17,025    $  298    $2,738      $3,823    $4,293    $28,177
                
Expenses         $10,177    $  153    $1,860      $3,021    $2,586    $17,797

Gross profit      $6,848    $  145   $   878      $  802    $1,707    $10,380

Gross profit             
percentage           40.2%     48.7%     32.1%       21.0%     39.8%      36.8%



<F1>  Certain amounts presented in the 1997 results of operations have been
      reclassified to conform with the 1998 presentation.

<F2>  Includes operations in the Company's Americas Region, which encompasses diving,
      intervention technology, vessel and related services, all of which were
      performed in the Gulf of Mexico.

<F3>  Includes diving and related services in U.S. inland markets, off the U.S. West
      Coast and in Latin America.

<F4>  Includes manufacturing and marketing of Big Inch pipeline connectors, Tarpon
      marginal well production systems, Tarpon Concrete Storage Systems and Ceanic
      Hard Suits Inc. products.

</TABLE>
                        Six Months Ended June 30, 1998
                         (dollar amounts in thousands)
              ----------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              Asia   Europe
                 Americas   Pacific  Africa    General      Subsea
                 Region<F2>  Region  Region Contracting<F3>Products<F4> Total
                                     
                 --------   -------  ------ -----------   ---------     -----
<S>              <C>        <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>           <C>
Revenues         $40,694    $2,845    $5,254   $15,811   $13,141       $77,745

Expenses         $25,221    $2,491    $4,491   $13,116    $7,925       $53,244

Gross profit     $15,473    $  354    $  763    $2,695    $5,216       $24,501

Gross profit   
 percentage         38.0%     12.4%     14.5%     17.0%     39.7%        31.5%


                               Six Months Ended June 30, 1997
                              (dollar amounts in thousands)<F1>
                     -------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)

                              Asia   Europe
                 Americas   Pacific  Africa    General      Subsea
                 Region<F2>  Region  Region Contracting<F3>Products<F4> Total
                                     
                 --------   -------  ------ -----------   ---------     -----

Revenues         $30,486    $  298    $5,579    $11,612   $8,778       $56,753

Expenses         $20,234    $  153    $3,467     $9,143   $5,122       $38,119

Gross profit     $10,252    $  145    $2,112     $2,469   $3,656       $18,634

Gross profit                 
percentage          33.6%    48.7%     37.9%       21.3%    41.6%         32.8%
                                                                          



(F1)  Certain amounts presented in the 1997 results of operations have been
      reclassified to conform with the 1998 presentation.

(F2)  Includes operations in the Company's Americas Region, which encompasses diving,
      intervention technology, vessel and related services, all of which were
      performed in the Gulf of Mexico.

(F3)  Includes diving and related services in U.S. inland markets, off the U.S. West
      Coast and in Latin America.

(F4)  Includes manufacturing and marketing of Big Inch pipeline connectors, Tarpon
      marginal well production systems, Tarpon Concrete Storage Systems and Ceanic
      Hard Suits Inc. products.

</TABLE>



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