Tanker brokers have identified Vela asthe charterer of the 300,000-dwt SAIQ (built 2011), 308,900-dwt Birdie (built2005), 301,000-dwt BW Bauhinia (built 2007), 298,500-dwt Patris (built 2000)and an unnamed unit that trades with the Nova Tankers pool.
According to daily market updates issuedby Lone Star Platou, all five of the tankers were hired to transport crude fromthe Middle East to the US Gulf at a rate of Worldscale 38, which anotherleading US shipbroker equates to approximately $17,500 per day round-trip.
While observers are confident thatoperators will be able to turn a profit over the life of each respective voyage,they are quick to point out that ships with similar specifications are earningnearly $55,000 per day to carry crude from the Middle East to China.
Lone Star says nearly 40 VLCCs fixturesinvolving trips from the Arabian Gulf to the US have been completed thus farthis month, which is well above the 26, 22, 21 and 25 that were reported inOctober, September, August and July, respectively.
As we reported earlier in the dayanalysts at RS Platou Markets believe freight rates in the VLCC segment willcontinue to firm this week and next, a bet they base on brokers who claim theposition list in the Middle East is “pointing to a very firm supply picture”.
According to Fearnleys, seasonal factorshave contributed to the rate rally but other variables are at work as well. Chinesecharterers, for instance, have been less picky when given the choice betweenlocal and market tonnage, the firm told clients Wednesday.
It also noted modern VLCCs are seeingday rates of around $22,500 when taken on a one-year time charters. This represents2013 high, is well above a low of $17,500 and quite a bit higher than the $20,000 average recorded justlast week.
You can read more about the market rallyand details about all the latest fixtures by clicking on the links locatedunder the Related section to the right of this article
