Owners have hailed another positive sign in the North Sea offshore support vessel (OSV) sector as charterers moved to take ships on longer-term deals.

At least 25 platform supply vessels (PSVs) have been booked over the last few weeks, with start dates ranging from this month to November, brokers said.

Norwegian oil major Equinor fixed eight ships alone last month, all for eight months firm, with four two-month options.