Inpex extends Ichthys gig for Solstad vessel duo

Norwegian offshore shipowner Solstad Offshore has received a contract extension from Inpex for the provision of two anchor handlers to support drilling for the Ichthys LNG development in Australia.

Solstad was awarded a contract by Inpex for the provision of two anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessels for work on the Ichthys LNG development back in October 2019.

Under the contract, the Normand Scorpion and Normand Sirius were chartered to Inpex for a period of three years.

In an update on Friday, Solstad said that the firm operational period for Normand Scorpion and Normand Sirius will now continue until August 2023 with additional options available to Inpex thereafter.

The anchor handlers have been supporting Inpex operations with the Maersk Deliverer semi-submersible rig since early 2020 operating from Broome, Australia.