OIL services company Vroon Offshore UK has seen a 1168% increase in its profits thanks to more charters for the company's vessels and higher prices paid by its customers.

Turnover went from £102.3 million to £115m according to accounts filed at Companies House for operations in 2012.

That helped pre-tax profit in the same period soar from £812,000 to £10.8m.

The company, part of the Netherlands-based shipping business Vroon, specialises in the supply and charter of offshore support vessels on the UK continental shelf and Irish Sea.

As well as more than 60 shore based staff in Aberdeen it has around 1200 seafaring employees and a rescue craft maintenance workshop in Montrose.

Writing in the accounts the directors said: "The increased turnover in 2012 is reflective of improved charter rates and higher vessel utilisation rates.

"The increase in operating profit is primarily driven by the improved turnover."

The accounts also acknowledge a crew member on the Vos Sailor vessel died in severe weather during December.

The company said it was still investigating the incident – where 11 other crew members were winched to safety.

The vessel was damaged so badly in the storm, which took place around 120 miles off the coast of Aberdeen in the Balmoral oil field, it was sold for scrap.

One other vessel was sold during the year resulting in a £491,000 gain on disposals but a reduction in the fleet to 47.

The directors said they "continue to monitor the composition of the fleet and intend to dispose of some of the group's older tonnage as opportunities arise to do so profitably".

A further 10 new build vessels are on order to be delivered across 2013 and 2014 at a total cost in excess of £38m.

Average staff numbers increased from 1235 to 1274 with salary costs edging up from £35.7m to £35.9m.

Directors' emoluments fell from £685,000 to £587,000 with the highest paid seeing a decline from £253,000 to £155,000.

The directors say the group is well positioned to benefit from the growth in the sector. They added: "The directors expect demand for [emergency response and rescue vessels] in 2013 will continue to be healthy, depending as it does on the offshore activity in the oil and gas sector. The group is well positioned to capitalise on its market share."

In April Vroon Offshore UK announced a long-term supply agreement with BP for platform-supply and emergency response and rescue services around the UK continental shelf.