Norway's Ostensjo Rederi has secured firm utilisation for a research ship until the end of 2020.

A contract renewal has been signed with DeepOcean for the 4,900-dwt Edda Flora (built 2008).

The fresh part of the deal starts in the first quarter of next year.

“Edda Flora together with Edda Fauna have been on contract to DeepOcean since the vessels were delivered in 2008 and we are very pleased that this relationship will continue for both vessels," said CEO Kenneth Walland.