STOCK WATCH

GULF Marine Services floated 9.2pc, or 3.8p, higher to 45.3p after winning three long-term contracts in the Middle East and North Africa.

The firm has done five-year deals to supply three support vessels for customers in the offshore oil, gas and renewable energy sector.

The contracts are expected to start in the fourth quarter of next year or the first-quarter of 2019. Duncan Anderson, chief executive officer, said the contracts were testament to its strong track record.