A VLOC controlled by Berge Bulk and a VLCC which was blacklisted by the US authorities have been sold for scrap.
Demolition brokers said Singapore-based bulker giant Berge Bulk has sold its 263,000-dwt ore carrier Berge Kangchenjunga (built 1994) for demolition.
The former VLCC has gone to Bangladesh breakers for a firm $630 per ldt, or $15.7m.
Brokers are also reporting the sale of another large vessel, the former 299,000-dwt Frontline VLCC Oman Pride (built 1998).
The tanker is said to have been sold for a "surprisingly low" $527 per ldt on an as-is basis in Sohar, Oman. The vessel requires extensive cleaning, TradeWinds is told.
Breakers have been hungry for tonnage in recent weeks, although November's Diwali celebrations slowed action in the market. Brokers report firming prices for bulk and boxship tonnage from buyers in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The Berge Kangchenjunga, which is due for special survey in January, was bought in 2013 as a VLCC from Cido Shipping for $16m.
This is the second ore carrier Berge Bulk is selling for demolition this year after offloading the 364,000-dwt Berge Stahl in April.
James Marshal-led Berge Bulk does not comment on commercial issues.
In August, TradeWinds reported that the Oman Pride had become caught in the row over the trading oil for the benefit of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, breaking sanctions imposed by the US, the UK and Israel which were ramped up following a fatal attack on another tanker.
The US Department of the Treasury identified the Oman Pride and its Dubai-registered owner, Bravery Maritime, as one of the ships used and placed them on a blacklist.
