Suezmax tanker deliveries may slow next year thanks to more slippage in the orderbook. But it remains unclear whether the slippage will be sufficient to give rates much of a boost.

Many market watchers consider the orderbook for suezmax tankers, which stands at north of 10% of current capacity, as one factor weighing down freight rates.

Although rates bounced back in September thanks to the resumption of some Nigerian crude exports, year-to-date spot freight rates from West Africa to Europe have averaged $23,000 per day, about half the average for 2015, according to the Baltic Exchange.

Robin