Oslo-listed Solstad, which signed a letter of intent for the ship back in March, says the deal is now a firm contract.

The Vard 219 Design vessel will have its hull constructed at Tulcea in Romania, with outfitting at Vard Brattvaag in Norway.

Solstad has contracted the newbuilding against an eight-year charter.

While the owner has never revealed the identity of the charterer, market rumours suggest the vessel has gone to Saipem.