Offshore support vessel owners have reason for optimism as rates pick up after years of pain, but discipline is still needed if gains are to be maximised.

This month, spot rates for anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessels in the North Sea almost doubled after a spate of bookings, with levels hitting $65,000 per day.

The month before, average rates reached their highest level this year, with some charterers having to hand over $77,000 per day, as fleet numbers stayed low.