07/10/2025
Farewell to an Era: With the Sale of ESVAGT CHARLIE, ESVAGT Says Goodbye to the Last Group 3 Vessel
The transfer of ESVAGT CHARLIE to SeaOwl on October 3rd marked not only the end of a vessel’s service - but also a farewell to an entire class of vessels in ESVAGT’s history. With this sale, ESVAGT bids farewell to the last of its iconic Group 3 vessels.
Over the years, Group 3 vessels have been the backbone of ESVAGT’s standby operations, making an invaluable contribution to offshore safety in the North Sea. With an average lifespan of 53 years and a total of 36 lives saved, these vessels have left a lasting mark on both safety and the ESVAGT culture - and have played a significant role in ESVAGT’s growth and development.
ESVAGT CHARLIE has spent the past 2.5 years on a bareboat charter with SeaOwl and now reaches its next destination—this time as a permanent part of SeaOwl’s fleet. The vessel has been a most vital resource in offshore readiness and a platform for professional seamanship and a unique safety culture.
Since the first Group 3 vessel was sold in 2016, the fleet has gradually evolved. With ESVAGT CHARLIE’s departure, an era has truly come to an end. Yet the legacy lives on - in the safety culture, in the many seafarers who learned their craftmanship onboard, and in the values these vessels helped shape.
A special thanks to the many individuals who served aboard the Group 3 vessels for their dedication and commitment throughout the many years - without you, no ESVAGT.
