Russian owner Sovcomflot (SCF Group) is trying to re-fix shuttle tankers coming off period deals in the near term — and has pledged not to offload the vessels.

The majority of the company's offshore contacts are long-term deals to energy companies such as Gazprom Neft that match the duration of the life of the vessel.

"But SCF has several contracts that expire this or next year, which are targeted to extend with the same client, as the vessels represent an irreplaceable part of the marine infrastructure for the...