Greek tanker giant Maran Tankers has reportedly sold one of its oldest tankers.
Initial reports suggested that the 299,000-dwt Maran Callisto (built 1999) had gone for demolition. But sources close to the deal have claimed that the tanker instead has been sold for further trading, possibly to a Chinese buyer for some $18m.
The John Angelicoussis-controlled company, which had bought the tanker from Euronav for $63m in 2003, did not respond to requests for comment.
The shipowner is waiting for a deposit to be placed on the deal before it is finalised, TradeWinds is told.
The price would appear low, considering recent strong rates in the freight market and that the tanker is not due for special survey until November 2021. Had it been a demolition deal, the DSME-built Maran Callisto would have become the eighth VLCC to be torched this year.
The scrap price for a tanker of the Maran Callisto's characteristics would likely be close to $17m.
The $18m price tag is unexpected, Maran Tankers also reportedly sold a slightly younger younger sistership, the 306,000-dwt Antonis I Angelicoussis (built 2000), to a Far East-based buyer for a significantly higher $25m. That price is more in-line with expectations.
Maran Tankers last sold a VLCC for demolition in August 2017, when it disposed of the 300,000-dwt Ekta (built 2015). The company has not sold a VLCC for further trading in three years.
Maran has one other VLCC built before 2000 among its 41 VLCCs, which have an average age of seven years. It also has four newbuildings.
In similar VLCC deal, Winson Oil has reportedly sold the 311,000-dwt Sino Macro (built 1999) also for further trading. The Hyundai Heavy Industries-built has fetched $20m, brokers believe. It has been employed on storage after having been purchased by Winson Oil for $16.5m two years ago.
