Average rates for anchor-handlers hit their highest level this year during September in the North Sea.

Seabrokers said some companies were able to secure tonnage at rates of less than £15,000 ($18,355) per day, while several others found themselves exposed to a rapidly tightening market and were faced with day rates in excess of £60,000.

The total number of fixtures was not noticeably higher than for other months of the year, but the average fixture rate for September was the highest of 2019 thus far, it added.