Oslo-listed SD Standard Drilling expects better markets for platform supply vessels this year despite de-risking its operations by finding term work for some of its ships.

The Oystein Stray Spetalen-controlled offshore vessel owner said the North Sea market had changed little in the fourth quarter, but lay-ups were increasing.

The PSV market continues to suffer from reduced activity offshore, and Standard Drilling added that increasing numbers of vessels are available in the market.