2005-built VLCC committed for $52m

Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) is on the cusp of achieving a new high for vintage tanker tonnage.

Broking sources tell Splash MOL has committed the 18-year-old, 311,000 dwt
Yufusan to Chinese interests for $52m.

If the sale goes though, MOL will be left with a fleet of 20 VLCCs with an average age of 13 years.

Prices for all vintage tanker classes have leapt dramatically in the year since Russia invaded Ukraine with more than 400 ships now deemed to be part of the so-called dark fleet carrying sanctions-hit cargoes.