While the two-year blacklisting of the company by the US andEurope has been tough, the fleet has continued to operate, with most ships inactive trade, and even expanded, with 12 new VLCCs joining the company in 2012 and2013.

Richard Hurley, senior analyst at IHS Maritime, said: “NITC lookswell positioned to be able to benefit if Iranian oil exports return topre-sanction levels.”

“Overall