Middle East owner Topaz Energy and Marine has fixed the second of its two subsea newbuildings into the renewables sector.

A "substantial" agreement has been signed with a large north European contractor for the 98-loa Vard-built Topaz Tangaroa.

The contract underlines the growing significance of offshore wind projects to Topaz, it said.

The deal runs from February for seven months, with options to extend into late 2020.

The charter reflects market terms, Topaz added.

The company's charter backlog stood at $1.4bn at the end of September,

The sistership Topaz Tiamat was fixed to Norway's Reach Subsea earlier this year.

Topaz CEO Rene Kofod-Olsen said: "It is particularly rewarding that both vessels are leaving the yard to go straight onto significant contracts with strong counterparties.

"The contracts reflect the trends we are seeing with both general subsea operators and offshore wind project owners becoming increasingly selective and demanding innovative, safer and more efficient vessels."