Equinor ASA awarded six contracts on Oct. 14 to five shipowners, for a total value estimated at more than NOK 2.5 billion (US$240 million) including options.

The vessels will support Equinor’s activities on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

“We are pleased to secure contracts with suppliers which have a solid safety culture, and the necessary capabilities to ensure safe and efficient operations for Equinor,” commented Mette H. Ottøy, chief procurement officer for Equinor.

The contracts will take effect before the end of 2022, and have a three-year firm period and three one-year options.

“Long-term commitments are mutually beneficial to Equinor and our suppliers,” Ottøy added. “They ensure predictability and form the foundation for innovative solutions to improve on all aspects of our collaboration, including reduction of emissions from our operations.”

The six platform supply vessels will be managed by Simon Møkster Shipping AS, Island Offshore Management AS, Eidesvik AS, Remøy Shipping AS and P/F Skansi Offshore.

In addition, Equinor has extended a contract with Island Offshore Shipholding LP for four years, for Island Clipper, which is a combined platform supply vessel and walk-to-work vessel. Island Clipper has supported the Oseberg Field in the past and is scheduled to also work on the Hywind Tampen offshore wind farm.

As part of the agreement, there is a joint commitment to pursue possibilities to modify the Island Crusader and Kongsborg vessels to be powered by ammonia fuel. This will be carried out in two separate projects involving a number of sub-suppliers throughout the maritime industry. The overall goal is to reduce the CO₂ emissions by up to 90% by use of ammonia fuel.

All six vessels either have, or will get, a battery installed for hybrid operations. The agreements include requirement for the vessels to employ one cadet or ordinary seaman for each shift, as a recruitment contribution to the maritime industry.

“We are dependent on supply vessels like these to support our more than 40 fields in operation on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, and we look forward to collaborating with the ship owners and crews for many years to come,” said Ørjan Kvelvane, senior vice president for Joint operations support at Equinor.

Vessels, owners and ship management:

  • Island Crusader, Island Offshore VIII KS, Island Offshore Management AS;
  • Stril Luna, Simon Møkster Rederi AS, Simon Møkster Shipping AS;
  • Stril Mar, Simon Møkster Rederi AS, Simon Møkster Shipping AS;
  • Rem Hrist, Etta Shipowning Ltd, Remøy Shipping AS;
  • Kongsborg, Skansi Ship Invest P/F, P/F Skansi Offshore; and
  • Viking Avant, Eidesvik MPSV AS, Eidesvik AS.

“I am especially pleased that we are jointly investigating opportunities for further CO₂ reductions,” Kvelvane added.

Offshore