Commodities giant Trafigura has secured more VLCC tonnage on long-term deals after agreeing on charter extensions with US-listed Top Ships.
The trader has taken the 300,000-dwt Julius Caesar and Legio X Equestris (built 2022) for up to five more years at a daily rate of $41,500 per vessel.
Top Ships said the firm period will be extended for approximately three years with two additional years at the charterer’s option.
Trafigura has had the two ships on charter since they were delivered from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries under an original three-year charter initially at $36,500 per vessel, per day, with two one-year options.
Evangelos Pistiolis-led Top Ships, which is listed on the Nasdaq, owns a fleet of 10 vessels comprised of two VLCCs, five suezmaxes and three MR tankers.
Trafigura has been busy fixing several VLCCs on long-term charters of up to five years in recent weeks, according to recent broker reports.
TradeWinds recently reported that Abu Dhabi-listed owner Al Seer Marine has fixed out two of its VLCCs to Trafigura for five years.
The 321,000-dwt Twin Castor (built 2013) and Twin Pollux (built 2014) are reported to be earning $40,000 per day, according to broker reports.
The rate is in line with French broker BRS’ five-year assessment for modern eco ships, despite the vessels dating from 2013 and 2014.
Greece’s Athenian Sea Carriers is also reported to have fixed a VLCC to Trafigura for 18 months, with the 319,000-dwt Captain X Kyriakou (built 2013) said to have achieved $50,000 per day.
French shipbroker BRS assesses a one-year deal for a non-eco ship at $44,000, with eco tonnage at $51,000 per day.
Separately, brokers are reporting that Trafigura has also taken two MR2 chemical/product tankers on long-term charters from International Seaways.
The 49,000-dwt Adriatic Wave and 51,000-dwt Atlantic Muse (both built 2009) have been fixed for 30 months at a daily rate of $21,500 per vessel.
