Icebreaker Botnica lands 45-day offshore job in South Africa
TS Shipping’s multipurpose icebreaker Botnica will replace an offshore single buoy mooring in a 45-day campaign.
Estonia’s TS Shipping has secured a new offshore contract for its multipurpose icebreaker Botnica, deploying the vessel to South African waters for a 45-day project beginning in May 2027. The company, a subsidiary of Tallinna Sadam (Port of Tallinn), confirmed the deal with OSC Marine Group, which involves replacing an offshore single buoy mooring (SBM). The scope of work includes pipeline handling, subsea lifting, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations, and diving support.
OSC Marine holds the option to extend the charter by up to nine additional days, though financial details of the agreement remain undisclosed. The contract marks another offshore campaign for Botnica, which typically operates as an icebreaker in Estonian waters during winter before transitioning to project-based work in warmer months.
Recent deployments and future commitments: offshore vessel charter
Earlier this year, Botnica was deployed in the North Sea by Offshore-Tech Sweden to conduct subsea maintenance at the Global Tech I offshore wind farm. The vessel’s versatility has made it a sought-after asset for both icebreaking and offshore operations.
TS Shipping also maintains a long-term framework agreement with Baffinland Iron Mines, covering seasonal employment in the Canadian Arctic through 2028. However, Baffinland waived its option for 2026, prompting the Estonian company to seek alternative offshore opportunities for the vessel. The South African contract fills that gap while allowing TS Shipping to balance its commitments.
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