Reviews & Ratings for the Normand-Cutter

On August 8, 2026, the vessel 'Normand Cutter' faced significant scrutiny and was detained at Blyth due to a staggering total of 21 deficiencies cited by maritime authorities. Out of these, 13 were classified as serious, leading to the detention of the ship for critical safety violations. Key issues included serious fire safety concerns, such as inoperative fire dampers and non-compliant fire doors in fire-resisting divisions. There were also alarming deficiencies related to crew performance, indicating a lack of familiarity with emergency protocols. Navigational safety was compromised with an unreadable magnetic compass and unsafe pilot ladders, raising red flags for maritime operations. Furthermore, hazardous labor conditions were identified, including unsafe areas and inadequate protection around dangerous machinery parts. The vessel also exhibited water and weather-tightness issues, as evidenced by corroded ventilators, air pipes, and bulwarks. Additionally, a malfunctioning fire alarm system further highlighted the urgent need for improvements. The ship was released from detention on August 13, 2026, following necessary corrective actions. For further updates on maritime safety and compliance, stay tuned.

In an impressive display of expertise, Gibdock shipyard in Gibraltar has successfully wrapped up its extensive refurbishment work on the Normand Cutter, a construction support vessel (CSV) owned by Solstad Shipping. Spanning 127 meters and boasting a gross tonnage of 10,979, the vessel departed the shipyard on June 29, 2023, after a comprehensive 22-day drydocking program. This maintenance endeavor included a complete overhaul of the vessel's propulsion system, ensuring enhanced performance and reliability for future operations. The successful completion of this project underscores Gibdock's commitment to providing top-notch maritime repair services.

On September 4, 2015, the offshore vessel 'Normand Cutter' encountered an unsettling situation in the Bight of Biafra when it was intercepted by a Nigerian paramilitary Navy boat. Armed militants, posing as officials, boarded the vessel to conduct checks on its documents and certificates. It is believed that they eventually departed after reaching a potential agreement with the Solstad company regarding a ransom. Notably, the Norwegian captain identified the Navy boat as a former missile craft from the Norwegian navy, six of which were sold to notable Nigerian warlord Tompolo Ekpemupolo. Tompolo, once the leader of the Niger Delta rebel faction, has since reconciled with governmental authorities, receiving amnesty along with a license to operate a private security firm tasked with combating piracy and collecting taxes from ships navigating through Nigerian waters. Following this incident, 'Normand Cutter' was able to continue its operations uninterrupted.