AHTS rates hit $77,000 as North Sea sells out

A sold-out North Sea anchor-handler (AHTS) market has seen daily rates spike beyond £60,000 ($77,000).

A combination of increased rig move activity and short weather windows is responsible, according to broker Westshore.

All 17 working ships in Norway have employment, while the fleet of 11 UK vessels is also busy.

Repsol Sinopec has taken three units for the Stena Spey move, while Equinor fixed Olympic and Island Offshore tonnage at NOK 525,000 ($61,000) for various duties, up from NOK 300,000.