Sources say three special purpose vehicles (SPVs) that are believed to be based in the Isle of Man have purchased the 38,500-dwtDiana(built 2005), 113,000-dwt Laura (built 2009) and 115,400-dwt Montiron (built 2003).

The French banking giant is said to have provided the financing for the acquisitions and surrendered ownership to each of the individual entities after offers from third-party buyers in the sale-and-purchase market fell short of what the company was looking to get.

“The