Pyxis Tankers revealed that it reached a preliminary deal to push back a key loan maturity as the New York-listed shipowner reported a net loss for the first quarter.

The Greek products tanker owner said the agreement, which is not finalised, will extend the maturity for $25m in debt by four years, until September 2022.

"Once this amendment is in place, the first scheduled balloon payment with respect to our bank debt will be due in the second quarter of 2020, which enhances our financial flexibility," said chief executive Valentios Valentis.