The two year deal with the Dalian-based refinery runs until the end of 2016 and includes an option for a third year.

Confirmation of the contract came in a disclosure by China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES) to the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

CMES and Sinotrans & CSC teamed up to create the $1bn China VLCC joint venture last summer, prompted by China’s rising demand for oil imports.

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