Suezmax tankers are being drawn to the US to lift growing crude exports, but these cargoes are having a knock-on effect for West Africa, dampening cargo demand there.

With fewer West African cargoes moving, a key rate index for suezmaxes in the Atlantic Basin continues to weaken setting up another tough year for the asset class.

US crude oil exports could reach two million barrels per day or higher by the end of 2018, said Andrew Wilson, head of energy research at BRS Brokers.