Nortrans Offshore Secures Charter Deal with Saipem for Maintenance Vessel

Singapore-based Nortrans Offshore has recently inked a charter agreement with the renowned Italian offshore engineering and construction company, Saipem, for the utilization of one of its maintenance and support vessels.

The vessel in question is the 2015-built flotel named Temis, which has been designated to work on the Neptun Deep gas development project located in the Romanian sector of the Black Sea. The initial contract period spans 160 days, with an option to extend for an additional 170 days. While the financial specifics of the deal remain undisclosed, the vessel’s capacity to accommodate 500 personnel makes it a crucial asset for the project.

Throughout the project, the Temis will be involved in the hook-up and commissioning stages of the Neptun Deep development, as well as offering ongoing support for the project’s operational commencement.

Notably, the Temis has previously secured a contract with Equinor to aid in the hook-up and commissioning phase of the Bacalhau FPSO, scheduled to commence in early 2025. The contract duration is set at five months, with a provision for a potential extension of an additional five months.

The Neptun Deep project represents a significant milestone for Romania, marking the country’s emergence as a major gas producer within the EU. With an estimated gas volume of approximately 100 billion cubic meters, the project is poised to elevate Romania’s standing in the regional energy landscape.

Jointly owned by OMV Petrom and Romgaz, with both entities holding a 50% stake in the project, Neptun Deep is operated by OMV Petrom. The construction of the topsides for the offshore gas platform commenced at Saipem’s yard in Karimun, Indonesia, in May 2024, underscoring the project’s progress and momentum.