Shipowners are continuing to acquire clean product tankers in rising markets.
Allied Shipbroking said buyers have mainly been focusing on the resurgent MR sector.
This is in line with the “good performance noted in rates for these assets in recent weeks,” the Greek shop added.
“On the pricing front, given the overall positive sentiment observed for product tankers, buyers have shown increased aggressiveness, which has helped boost asset price increases further,” Allied said.
The brokerage calculates that MR prices have risen 21% from this point last year, and by 11% in the last three months alone.
In the larger MR2 sector, European brokers were reporting a deal for Shenlong Maritime’s 51,000-dwt St Jacobi (built 2014) at $24.5m. The buyer was not disclosed.
Clarksons had previously revealed an April sale of the tanker at $22.9m, showing how quickly price ideas have changed.
Singapore’s Jaldhi group was also said to have sold the 47,000-dwt Jal Sasvata (built 2009) for $13.15m.
On the MR1 front, Interorient Shipmanagement has been linked to the disposal of its veteran 37,400-dwt Baltic Commander 1 (built 2000) to Turkish interests for $5.8m.
Another older unit, Italian owner Amoretti Armatori’s 29,500-dwt Bianca Amoretti (built 2003), fetched $6m from unknown buyers.
And Navig8 Group’s 40,000-dwt Miss Claudia (built 2006) has been reported sold for $11.5m.
Rates up again
Clarksons Platou Securities said MR rates have “strengthened somewhat” this week.
Earnings were quoted at $39,500 per day, plus a scrubber premium of $7,800.
The sector averaged just $8,400 in 2021.
Reuters has reported refinery margins soaring to new highs, mostly driven by high gasoil prices.
This incentivises refinery runs, Clarksons Platou said.
Gasoil margins in Asia are expected to decline going forward as refineries ramp up output, which is positive for the product tanker market, the investment bank argues.
