GulfMark wins pair of UK charters

Offshore support vessel provider GulfMark Offshore has entered into new long-term contracts for a pair of platform suppliers, both in the UK. 

The first is a two-year plus options contract for the M/V Highland Prince.

ASCO Marine has chartered the 2010-built Highland Prince, a high specification PSV, equipped with diesel electric, fuel efficient propulsion, dynamic positioning Class 2, and a double hull, clean design vessel, for its operations on the U.K. continental shelf.

The second award is a four-year plus options charter for the M/V Highland Defender to support drilling operations on a central North Sea development with an unnamed U.K. operator.

The Highland Defender, built in 2013, is a dynamically positioned PSV with oil recovery capability, clean design and the special purpose ship classification.

Quintin Kneen, GulfMark Offshore President and CEO, commented, “Multiple long-term contract awards in this challenging market demonstrates the value our customers continue to place on our leading safe, environmentally friendly, and reliable operations.”

The company recently took delivery of an Arctic class PSV, named the North Barents, from Simek shipyard in Norway.