Reviews & Ratings for the Normand-Cutter

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.