Equinor locks in Viking Avant PSV until 2027 as offshore market tightens
Norwegian energy giant extends 5,784 dwt platform supply vessel for another year with options beyond
Equinor has extended its contract with Norwegian offshore vessel owner Eidesvik Offshore for the platform supply vessel Viking Avant, locking in the 5,784 dwt vessel until the end of 2027.
The contract extension runs directly from the current agreement, with an option for further extension beyond 2027. Helga Cotgrove, CEO of Eidesvik Offshore, confirmed the deal reflects both the vessel’s consistent performance and current market conditions. “Viking Avant has served Equinor since delivery in 2004, and we are pleased to extend our collaboration on current market terms,” Cotgrove said. “The extension reflects the consistent performance of the vessel and her crew.”
The vessel boasts a 5,784-tonne deadweight capacity, a 1,010 square metre deck area, and dimensions of 92.17 metres in length and 20.4 metres in beam.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Contract extension reflects vessel performance and market terms: platform supply vessel
The company operates a fleet of platform supply vessels (PSVs), anchor handling tug supply vessels (AHTS), and inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) vessels.
The contract extension for the Viking Avant comes as Eidesvik Offshore secures fresh work for another vessel in its fleet, the Viking Queen. The PSV has been contracted for a drilling campaign starting early next year, covering one well with an estimated firm duration of about 290 days.
Eidesvik’s recent fleet adjustments also include the sale of the IMR vessel Viking Reach, completed on October 26 de octubre de 2023 through the joint venture Eidesvik Reach. The vessel was sold to an undisclosed buyer, with industry reports suggesting the Asso Group as the likely purchaser.
The company’s ability to secure work for both the Viking Avant and Viking Queen suggests it is well-positioned to weather market volatility. Meanwhile, the offshore sector as a whole continues to evolve, with decarbonisation initiatives gaining traction. Eidesvik’s involvement in ammonia bunkering tests, such as the upcoming trial aboard the Viking Energy, indicates its commitment to exploring alternative fuels and sustainable operations.
Eidesvik secures additional work amid fleet reshuffle
The Viking Energy, another PSV in Eidesvik’s fleet, is set to play a pivotal role in the energy transition. Azane Fuel Solutions has received approval from Norway’s Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) to conduct a test bunkering of up to 73 tonnes of ammonia aboard the vessel. The trial, scheduled for (eliminar la fecha, ya que no está verificada) de octubre de 2023 at Stord, Norway, will test the feasibility of ammonia as a marine fuel, a critical step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry.
For operators and investors, the developments at Eidesvik Offshore serve as a case study in adapting to market realities while maintaining operational excellence. The contract extension for the Viking Avant is not just a routine renewal; it is a testament to the vessel’s performance, the crew’s professionalism, and the enduring partnership between Eidesvik and Equinor. As the offshore sector continues to evolve, such collaborations will be essential in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The next few months will be critical for Eidesvik Offshore. With the Viking Queen set to begin its drilling campaign early next year and the ammonia bunkering test on the horizon, the company is poised to demonstrate its versatility and commitment to innovation. For Equinor and other energy producers, these developments reinforce the importance of reliable, high-quality vessel support in maintaining offshore operations, whether in traditional oil and gas or emerging renewable energy projects.
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