The newbuild subsea operations vessel ‘Southern Star’ has started a six year bareboat charter, an increase of a year on the original deal, with options for extensions.

The Southern Star was designed by Tasik Subsea and built by Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding in Fuzhou, China.

Tasik managing director John Giddens said: “The market is difficult with economic challenges at every tier, no one needs telling that. But, by working to ensure the operator has an outstanding and reliable vessel that can be operated competitively and flexibly, both parties saw the economic sense in extending the charter period from five to six years in exchange for adjusted rates during some of the firm charter period.”

The 112 meter DP3 ship features two moon pools and has a 300 meter rated, 15 man saturation diving system, with two self-propelled hyperbaric lifeboats.

The ship is also equipped with a 150 tonne, active heave compensated crane.