The court's website shows three filings linked to OSG were made on Wednesday: one by OSG itself, another by OSG Bulkships and a third by OSG International.

The New York-listed owner listed assets of $4.15bn and debt of $2.67bn in the filing in Wilmington.

Court papers reveal DNB Bank in New York as being owed$1.5bn under a revolving letter of credit.

Other creditors include holders of $303m in 8.125%debentures