Clarksons Platou Securities is backing the OSV and rig sectors to pick up in 2019 as demand rises.

"2019 should mark the third straight year of rising project sanctions and commitments of capital, which should contribute to rising demand for rigs and offshore vessels, we argue," it said.

"With demand heading up and supply growth moving negative for rigs and OSVs, the overall market balance for offshore service sectors looks to improve in 2019."