International Seaways is being strongly tipped to have made its first VLCC purchase since it was unwound from Overseas Shipholding Group.
New York-listed International Seaways is named by several tanker market sources as the buyer of the 318,300 Gener8 Zeus (built 2010).
TradeWinds reported earlier this week that Gener8 was in the process of selling the ship at a price of around $53m, which is considered a healthy data point in today’s market.
Brokers say interest in the vessel was strong at a time when it is difficult to find a willing seller of modern crude tonnage.
Should the deal be confirmed, the vessel would become the third purchased by International Seaways this year, after a double suezmax resale move this summer.
Executives at International Seaways did not respond to requests for comment today.
Gener8 has been an active seller of vessels in recent months with fleet renewal efforts mixed with a wish to raise additional cash.
International Seaways finance chief Jeff Pribor once held the same position at Gener8 forerunner General Maritime.
Fleet renewal efforts at International Seaways have been closely watched since it was listed independently.
Chief executive Lois Zabrocky told TradeWinds last month that the company was confident of finding tankers to add to its fleet despite the illiquid market.
“People will still look opportunistically to sell assets for whatever reason and we will be patient,” she said at the time.
International Seaways has a fleet of 45 vessels on the water, but its VLCC stable of nine has an average age of 12 years, according to VesselsValue.
Only three of its VLCCs were built in 2010 or later, with the balance all launched between 2000 and 2003.
