Østensjø secures vessel charters, keeps full fleet utilisation

DeepOcean has agreed new contracts for 2008-built Edda Fauna and 2008-built Edda Flora to keep these vessels operating for almost two years, commencing in Q1 2021. Both vessels will be delivered to DeepOcean with a fully integrated hybrid battery system installed, for significant reductions in fuel and emissions. These environmentally friendly solutions were granted essential support from Norway’s ENOVA funding agency.

In another deal, Fugro has agreed to take on 2009-built Edda Sun, as part of a contract extension, until Q4 2021. Edda Sun has been chartered on a bareboat contract to Østensjø Rederi since 2017.

Østensjø said its entire fleet of 31 vessels was in operation, despite challenges during the northern hemisphere winter months, when utilisation typically falls in the North Sea market. “We are very satisfied with being awarded the new contracts and we look forward to continuing to deliver safe and efficient operation for our trusted clients,” said Østensjø chief executive Kenneth Walland.

• The benefits of retrofitting OSVs with batteries
• OSV owner goes hybrid to attract charterers, reduce emissions
• Settlement reached on subsea vessel charterparty termination

Østensjø, along with many other shipping companies, was hit hard by the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020 and the resulting impact on the offshore market and parts of the tugboat market. This stopped a slow rebound the offshore support vessel sector was seeing in Q1 2020.

“Just as we were seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, and expected to have a positive summer market, Covid-19 hit us, turning our lives upside down,” said Mr Walland. “However, we have been able to work our way through a very difficult time without any temporary or permanent layoffs of personnel.

“Covid-19 is still very much part of our everyday life and continues to challenge Østensjø and other maritime service providers, but we are prepared to meet challenges head-on and continue to create business for our company,” said Mr Walland.

Fleet optimisation and market forecasts will be discussed during Riviera’s Annual Offshore Support Journal Virtual Conference Week - 23-25 March 2021 - use this link to access more details and register for these events