The contract, for operations in the Danish Sector of the North Sea, has an initial duration of one year.

Maersk has options to extend the contract, which will commence in early April 2011, for up to two further years.

The value for the initial term of the contract is approximately $25.6m and the contract is subject to approval by the Danish Energy Authority.

Northern Offshore is a Bermuda-based holding company which operates offshore oil and gas production and drilling vessels.