North Sea OSV owners have been able to maintain rate gains over the summer as ships redeploy.

In August, anchor-handler (AHTS) rates were at their highest levels so far this year, particularly for large vessels of more than 22,000 bhp.

The average spot fixture rate for these ships in August was £32,237 ($39,676) per day, with a couple of deals breaking the £60,000 barrier for the first time since January, Norway's Seabrokers said.