The company said on Wednesday that it had managed to sell three older vessels this month —one in the North Sea and two in Southeast Asia.

Brokers have struggled to put values on ships in the downturn due to such infrequent second-hand deals.

GulfMark chief executive Quintin Kneen said: “We are seeing a continued increase in activity from potential vessel purchasers, and we remain confident that we will be able to continue to meet our goal of liquidating older vessels.”

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