North Sea Briefing: UK Industry Calls for Energy Independence as Eidesvik Secures Vessel Extension

## UK North Sea Industry Pushes for Domestic Energy Priority Britain's offshore energy sector is stepping up pressure on the UK government to reduce reliance on energy imports and unlock homegrown supply, according to Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), the trade body representing the country's offshore energy industry. OEUK has emphasised the strategic and economic case for prioritising domestic production, arguing that continued dependence on imported energy exposes the UK to price volatility and supply chain risks. The body is calling on policymakers to take concrete steps to support the North Sea basin as a cornerstone of the country's energy security strategy. The intervention comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over the UK government's approach to North Sea licensing and taxation, with industry stakeholders warning that punitive fiscal measures risk accelerating the decline of a sector that still supports tens of thousands of jobs and contributes significantly to domestic energy supply. OEUK's position reflects a broader industry consensus that a managed, long-term transition — rather than an abrupt curtailment of North Sea activity — is essential to maintaining energy security while the UK pursues its net-zero ambitions. --- ## Eidesvik Extends Equinor Contract for 22-Year-Old Supply Vessel In vessel contracting news, Norwegian offshore vessel owner Eidesvik Offshore has secured a contract extension for one of its older platform supply vessels, keeping the 2004-built ship employed with compatriot state energy company Equinor through to the end of the year, according to Offshore Energy. The extension underscores continued demand for offshore support tonnage in the Norwegian Continental Shelf, even as operators and vessel owners navigate an evolving market. For Eidesvik, retaining work for an ageing asset reflects both the tightness of available OSV capacity in the region and the value of long-standing client relationships. Equinor remains one of the dominant operators on the NCS, and its continued use of the vessel — now more than two decades old — highlights the pragmatic approach operators sometimes take when newer tonnage is either unavailable or cost-prohibitive at short notice. The deal provides Eidesvik with near-term revenue visibility as the company manages its fleet across a competitive offshore support vessel market.