March saw plentiful term fixture activity in the North Sea, with chartering powerhouse Equinor picking up several vessels on new and extended deals offshore Norway. Several other operators including ConocoPhillips, OKEA, Petrofac, Seaway 7 also booked up new tonnage during the month, resulting in availability tightening slightly. Day rates appear to be on the rise as summer approaches, with owners looking to take advantage of the many term requirements still active in the region.The Norwegian market is always heavily affected by the actions of Equinor; busy periods of chartering activity by the operator greatly affect the state of the OSV sector in Norway. Several deals went through during March, with Mokster Shipping's Stril Mar 4,500 dwt PSV charted by Equinor on a supply duties contract lasting six months firm plus two options of two months. The 2016-built vessel will commence the contract in early May, following the completion of its current term charter commitment for Aker BP. A similar contract length was awarded to Eidesvik's Viking Prince 6,500 dwt PSV, which will begin work with Equinor in April or May. It was upgraded with a battery hybrid system and a shore power system in January 2022; such modifications are becoming more and more important in terms of picking up lucrative work with many operators in Norway. Moreover, Equinor has extended its charter of the Rem Mist 4,400 dwt PSV with a new firm six-month charter, plus two options of two months each. The 2011-built vessel will begin the new contract on 6 May 2022, in direct continuation of current work for the same charterer. The Rem Mist has worked for Equinor (originally Statoil) for the duration of its time in service.
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