A new frame agreement between Simon Møkster Shipping and Aker BP will secure dedicated platform supply vessel (PSV) capacity for offshore operations over a four-year period, with two additional two-year options available. The deal, announced by Splash247, continues a long-standing logistics partnership that began with a PSV frame agreement in 2019.
Operational context
Under the new agreement, Aker BP will charter vessels from Simon Møkster's fleet to meet its platform supply requirements. The shipowner currently operates nine PSVs: Stril Mar, Stril Barents, Stril Luna, Stril Polar, Stril Orion, Stril Mermaid, Stril Odin, Strilmøy, and Stril Pioner. In addition to regular vessel supply, the frame agreement includes provisions for improved vessel operations and reduction of emissions, according to Splash247.
Impact on offshore supply chain
This is the second PSV frame agreement Aker BP has signed this week. Splash247 previously reported on a similar agreement with Eidesvik Offshore, which also included a long-term charter for Eidesvik's vessel Viking Prince. Both frame agreements share the same duration of four years plus options, reflecting Aker BP's strategy to secure offshore logistics capacity amid stable oil and gas demand.
For logistics managers and freight forwarders involved in offshore energy supply chains, these long-term agreements provide visibility into vessel availability and rate stability. The inclusion of emissions reduction provisions may also influence future charter specifications and operational requirements.
Fleet capacity and service continuity
With nine owned PSVs, Simon Møkster maintains a dedicated fleet for North Sea operations. The frame deal ensures that Aker BP has preferential access to these vessels for platform supply, crew transfer, and equipment transport. The agreement's four-year base term plus options provides Aker BP with a predictable supply chain for its ongoing offshore projects.
| Vessel name | Role |
|---|---|
| Stril Mar | PSV |
| Stril Barents | PSV |
| Stril Luna | PSV |
| Stril Polar | PSV |
| Stril Orion | PSV |
| Stril Mermaid | PSV |
| Stril Odin | PSV |
| Strilmøy | PSV |
| Stril Pioner | PSV |
Shipper and operator implications
For Aker BP, this agreement reduces the risk of spot market volatility for offshore support vessels. As the first partnership was signed in 2019, the renewal signals trust in Simon Møkster's service quality and operational efficiency. Operators in the North Sea should monitor similar frame deals as indicators of long-term vessel demand and pricing trends.
The provisions for improved vessel operations and emissions reduction suggest that Aker BP is prioritizing environmental performance in its supply chain. Logistics providers may need to adapt their vessel specifications to meet similar requirements in future contracts.
Watch list
- Potential further frame agreements between Aker BP and other offshore vessel operators.
- Implementation of emissions reduction technologies on chartered PSVs under the new deal.
- Impact of Aker BP's long-term contracting strategy on spot market PSV availability in the North Sea.
Sources:
