Demand for VLCCs in Asia has surged with sales talk surrounding a string of tankers between 10 and 15 years of age. The increased activity is good news for VLCC owners, who can finally see the light as rates appear to have flattened out with news this week of punchy three- and five-year tanker charters providing grounds for renewed optimism.
Greek owner Athenian Tankers circulated the 10-year-old 300,000 dwt Athenian Freedom with offers starting at $75m. The ship has now been taken by Chinese interests for $78m.
In April, the same owner sold a 2010-built 320,000 dwt vessel for $65m to Thenamaris.
Last week, a 2012-built 320,000 dwt VLCC named Habrut was reported sold with the market remaining tight-lipped on the taker and price for this scrubber-fitted VLCC but now some brokers and sales registers are pointing at Sinokor, who earlier this summer added three VLCCs from the same owner, Oman-based Asyad Shipping.
Sales talk also surrounds a ship owned by John Frederiksen’s Frontline which is noted to be in the process of offloading the 13-year-old Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding built-Front Signe. This ship was sold to Asian buyers for a conversion project for $63m.
