only ultra large crude carrier (ULCC) has been chartered to Maersk Oil Qatar AS.

The Mimosa will be used as a storage unit offshore Qatar, said Smedvig. The 24-month charter, with an option for an extra year, will start in early November.

The value of the contract cannot be disclosed for commercial reasons, the company said.

Extra equipment will be installed for single point mooring and cargo handling.

This extra cost will be repaid over the fixed period as part of the daily rate for the vessel.

Mimosa is presently en route on a laden voyage from the Arabian Gulf the Red Sea and will return to the Arabian Gulf in early October.

The vessel will then go to a shipyard for installation of the storage equipment.