Offshore-vessel owners are locked in a bidding war as Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) seeks to charter seven newbuilding fast-supply vessels (FSVs) and fast-supply intervention vessels (FSIVs).

The newbuilding haul could cost the government-controlled oil monopoly well over $200m in long-term charter hire as it sifts bids that mostly offer slots at Spanish yards. The contracts are all for seven years.

Bids on the tender have come in from domestic operators but many are backed by international owners, as is common in Pemex offshore-vessel charters.

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