The Norwegian-owned offshore vessel, Normand Cutter, from Solstad Offshore was reportedly stopped and boarded by Nigerian paramilitary navy boat on September 4 while operating offshore in Nigerian waters.

The 127,5 meters long deepwater subsea construction and umbilical lay DP vessel is on its last-year charter for Italian offshore contractor Saipem.

According to Norwegian media reports, the inspection was “all about the money”. However, the Norwegian vessel owner said it was contacted by local authorities for a routine checkup.

“The inspection was carried out by representatives from the authorities and they left the vessel again when the inspection was finished.

“The crew onboard Normand Cutter handled the inspection in a proffesional manner and the vessel was back in normal operational again shortly after the inspectors left the vessel,” Solstad said in a statement.