Sunoco’s decision to idle one of its US refineries ahead of schedule caught the attention of the tanker brokers Friday as the move will likely mark a significant shift in market fundamentals.

The Marcus Hook facility in Pennsylvania began winding down its main processing units Friday, eight months earlier than previously expected, but the energy giant will continue to seek a buyer and pursue other options like transforming the station into an import terminal, a move it is also considering for a plant located in the city of Philadelphia.

"Market