Croatia's Tankerska Next Generation (TNG) has been linked to new MR charter deals with trader Trafigura.
The shipowner announced a 12-month contract for an unnamed vessel earlier on Friday, starting in the middle of March at about $16,000 per day.
It said only that the counterparty was a "prominent charterer".
Shipbroking sources identified Trafigura as the company behind the deal for the 49,000-dwt Dalmacija (built 2015).
Sources claimed Trafigura has also taken TNG's 49,000-dwt Zoilo (built 2005) on similar terms.
There is an option for the charterer to extend the Dalmacija contract, with an escalation of the rate. Brokers put this figure at $16,800 per day over a year.
TNG told TradeWinds that further terms were confidential, even the name of the ship.
The listed company has six MR tankers in total.
"The negotiated conditions are thoroughly in line with the company's strategic concept that focuses on the efforts to secure a strong asset base and stable cash flow," it said.
"By doing so, TNG minimises the risk of its business operations by balancing the employment of the fleet on voyage charter while still laying emphasis on time charter contracts."
Last October, Trafigura returned Dalmacija slightly early from a three-year charter.
The deal was confirmed in June 2015, with the vessel due from SPP in Korea in the fourth quarter of that year.
Trafigura was paying $17,750 per day. A one-year option at $19,750 was attached.
