Offshore support vessel (OSV) owner Britoil Offshore Services has announced a major fleet expansion plan， placing an order for up to eight new anchor handling tug vessels (AHTs) to be built in China.

The Singapore-based company has signed a contract with Jiangsu Zhenjiang Shipyard for six firm AHT newbuilds， with options for two additional vessels. While the financial details and delivery schedule have not been disclosed， Britoil emphasized that the new vessels will mark a significant step forward in its nearly 40-year legacy in anchor handling operations.

The 45-m-long vessels will each offer 80t of bollard pull and come equipped with advanced propulsion systems， optimized hull designs， and increased fuel storage capacity. Britoil said these enhancements are designed to boost operational efficiency and align with the company’s broader strategy of fleet renewal.

“This investment demonstrates Britoil’s commitment to continuously strengthening our capabilities to remain relevant as a leader in our core market segment，” the company said in a statement.