2025's most-read stories in Offshore Support Journal

Charter rates in 2025 dropped only modestly from 2024’s highs, and the market looks likely to continue its upcycle in the near term.

To read each story in full, click on the headline, the image or the link at the end of the text.

---

Sign up for Riviera’s series of technical and operational webinars and conferences in 2025:

• Register to attend by visiting our events page.
• Watch recordings from all of our webinars in the webinar library.

---

 

1. A dozen Chinese-built Bourbon Offshore OSVs are headed to the auction block

A dozen offshore support vessels – built for Bourbon Offshore by Chinese shipyards between 2009 and 2014 – have been placed on the auction block by leasing company ICBC Financial Leasing. The group includes 10 PSVs and two multipurpose support vessels currently in cold layup worldwide – a sign of the challenges facing idle OSV tonnage in a softening market.

Read the story

 

2. Day rates slip as market softens

In the first half of 2025, day rates for high-spec offshore vessels softened modestly after last year’s record highs – though they remain well above long-term norms. According to brokers, some large AHTSs are fixing at around US$40,000/day, while PSVs of 4,000 dwt with a sizeable clear deck area are returning around US$39,800/day.

Read the story

 

3. OSV rates and utilisation levels roar back in southeast Asia

Anchored by tightening OSV supply, southeast Asia’s support-vessel market surged in early 2025 – the backbone 5,150-bhp AHTSs are commanding about US$8,100/day, larger 8,000-bhp units around US$12,000/day, while the most powerful 10,000–12,000-bhp AHTSs are fixing at US$16,000–US$19,000/day. Charterers are shifting from spot to long-term hires amid high utilisation as the sector rebounds.

Read the story

 

4. Offshore index eases off record high but OSV outlook remains upbeat

While the global offshore services index dipped from its mid-2024 peak, confidence remains high that OSV demand will stay strong – backed by rising upstream capex. Market analysts note that asset values remain robust and a steady volume of new offshore awards worldwide should sustain charter rates and vessel utilisation.

Read the story

 

5. To resurrect US shipyards – President Trump vows to create Office of US Shipbuilding

The US administration has pledged to establish a new government-level Office of US Shipbuilding, aimed at reviving domestic yards and supporting future offshore construction and OSV demand. The initiative could reshape global competition for offshore support tonnage – particularly if trade barriers and subsidy packages are introduced under the new regime.

Read the story