Sources say the deal includes two 150,000-dwt tankers, with an option for two more, and two 115,000-dwt tankers, also with two options.

An executive of the Greek company was unwilling to make any comments on the reports and says no deal has yet been concluded.

All the newbuildings are set to be delivered in 2017, the sources say. The aframaxes are believed to be costing some $50m each and the suezmaxes in excess of $60m.The