Lundqvist Rederierna of Finland and Greek shipowner Thenamaris have both sold 19-year-old aframax tankers for further trading as prices remain strong despite a lacklustre spot market.
Lundqvist confirmed that it sold the 105,000-dwt Sarpen (built 2002), which was built at South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering.
Meanwhile, US brokers said Thenamaris has sold the 105,000-dwt St Helen (built 2002), which was constructed at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, to a Chinese buyer.
Thenamaris said it does not comment on commercial matters.
Brokers said the ships have changed hands for about $12.5m for each. Both have been sold for further trading rather than demolition.
With the surging demolition prices, the Sarpen is estimated to be worth $11.5m to $11.6m in a scrap sale.
But its trading value has risen from an estimated $8.69m in February, according to data from VesselsValue.
The Finnish owner typically keeps its tankers until they are close to 20 years old, and the 105,000-dwt Alfa Italia (built 2002) is the company's only ship in this age range.
All 10 Lundqvist ships are aframax tankers that mostly trade within Europe, typically carrying Russian crude from St Petersburg and Novorossiysk as well as some North Sea cargoes.
Lundqvist chief executive Ben Lundqvist does not paint a very rosy picture for the tanker market in the short term.
"We today have nine aframaxes in the spot market, which seems to be far too many for success," he said.
