Neptune Marine Services has been awarded a five-year contract to provide a shallow water dive support vessel and related services to Apache Energy

Neptune, in conjunction with Bhagwan Marine, has been awarded the contract, with the potential for a further two-year extension, to supply the 56m DP2 hybrid catamaran, which has permanent air diving and survey capability.

It will operate off the North West coast, with operations expected to commence in October, next year.

Neptune will provide the dive and survey equipment and Bhagwan will provide the vessel.

Capital expenditure on the equipment will be funded through Neptune's existing cash reserves.

Neptune chief executive Robin King said the contract was in line with Neptune's strategy of expanding its service offering through strategic relationships and pursuing-long term contracts with key operators like Apache.

"Importantly, this contract gives us visibility on future work and revenue streams for at least five years," Mr King said.