A new wave of Middle East refineries and demand for tonnage on long-haul Russian routes in 2023 drove tanker newbuilding orders to levels three times higher than the previous year, according to Maritime Strategies International (MSI).
Orders for product tankers placed by Geneva-based Advantage Tankers and low-profile Turkish-owned player Kurow Shipping contributed to a late flurry of bookings in December, the London-based consultancy said.
