John Fredriksen's Frontline has officially abandoned its pursuit of DHT Holdings with the Norwegian tycoon now tipped for a union with Peter Georgiopoulos and Gener8 Maritime.

A deal between Fredriksen and Georgiopoulos is understood to be under discussion and any transaction would cement a deal which was first on the table over a decade ago, when Frontline made an unsuccessful play for Gener8 forerunner General Maritime.