Following recent upgrades, Eidesvik vessel lands new deal with Equinor

Norway-based offshore vessel operator Eidesvik Offshore has inked a new contract for one of its recently upgraded platform supply vessels (PSVs) with the Norwegian state-owned giant, Equinor.

Eidesvik reported on Wednesday that it was awarded a contract with Equinor for the PSV Viking Prince. The new deal is scheduled to start in April/May 2022. The contract is for a firm period of six months and includes options for further extensions.

Gitte Gard Talmo, President & CEO of Eidesvik, remarked: “Equinor and Eidesvik have had a close collaboration for a number of years. Both companies have a clear desire and willingness to contribute to the development of cleaner and more environmentally friendly shipping, and we look forward to continuing to build on our long term relationship.”

The vessel has carried out operations for various operators since it was delivered. Back in March 2012, Eidesvik entered into an agreement with Lundin Norway for this LNG-powered supply vessel, which was chartered to replace Viking Athene in the previously signed contract between the two companies.

The following year in September, Eidesvik signed a deal with AGR Petroleum Services (AGR) for the PSV Viking Prince. At the time, the duration of the firm period was estimated to be two years. Another deal for this vessel was inked in December 2015, when Eidesvik secured a one-well contract with an undisclosed company.

In February 2018, Eidesvik scored another deal for the PSV Viking Prince with Decipher Production for operation on the UK continental shelf, which was scheduled to last for 85 days. Upon completion, the vessel was contracted to carry out operations for Shell to support the drilling of two exploration wells, located on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

The PSV Viking Prince was upgraded with a battery hybrid system and a shore power system in January 2022, according to Eidesvik. The 2012-built vessel is of a VS489 PSV LNG design. It was built by Kleven Verft yard in Ulsteinvik.

When it comes to Eidesvik’s recent deals, it is worth reminding that the Norwegian vessel owner secured a contract extension for another PSV with Equinor in December 2021.