Confirmation of a much-anticipated long-range-two (LR2) newbuilding order by Maersk Tankers last week came amid indications of growing interest among owners to contract new bulkers and crude tankers.

As TradeWinds was first to report, the 10 tankers booked by Maersk Tankers at Dalian Shipyard on an optional order were officially signed in November 2016. The Danish owner confirmed the order when announcing its full-year results on 8 February.