Crude tankers are sailing at their fastest speeds under ballast since the start of 2020 to exploit higher rates on offer, according to the Signal Group.
Average ballast speeds for crude oil tankers is currently 11.9 knots (22kph) up from 11.3 during the same period last year, the company said in its review of the year.
“The latest figures are the highest since the beginning of 2020, with the VLCC segment playing an important role in the current increase in seagoing vessel ballast speed,” said analyst Maria Bertzeletou.
