A total lack of charter-free anchor-handling tug supply vessels in the North Sea has sent rates skyrocketing to their best level in a year.
Early March rig moves have mopped up the spot fleet, brokers said.
Spirit Energy took two vessels for the Wellsafe Defender rig move in the UK.
The 251-bp Magne Viking (built 2011), owned by Christen Sveaas’ Viking Supply Ships, made the headline rate of £120,000 ($153,000) per day for three days firm, with 11 days of options.
Norwegian shipbroker Fearnleys said: “The AHTS spot market is currently completely sold out and is expected to be so for at least a couple of more days.”
“This is the highest spot day rate we have recorded in almost a year. Furthermore, rumours are emerging of vessels being fixed up for various work scopes from April and onwards,” the Oslo shop added.
Maersk Supply Service’s 253-bp Maersk Mover (built 2018) was also employed for this move, at £70,000 per day for five days and nine daily options.
Ross Offshore and OMC fixed another three ships at rates ranging from €75,000 ($82,000) to NOK 900,000 ($85,000).
One of these was the 310-bp Siem Ruby (built 2010), controlled by Norwegian shipowner Kristian Siem’s Siem Offshore.
An industry source told TradeWinds: “Tight market. Mr Siem should be happy.”
PSVs lagging behind
SSY Offshore reported 100% utilisation, with 14 vessels in Norway and 17 in the UK all booked.
Harbour Energy cancelled a move of the Valaris 120 rig, which looked set to tie up a Danish ship for two firm days plus 12 of options.
Platform supply vessels were lagging far behind at £7,000 per day at best.
Utilisation is only 63% in this sector.
One PSV is charter-free in Norway, but nine remain open in UK waters.
