China is the key factor in the minds of tanker owners after it wreaked havoc on the dry bulk industry.

As the world’s largest energy importer, the country represents a significant source of tonne-mile demand for dirty tankers. But China’s once stellar economic growth is now expected to fall to levels last seen in 1999.

However, tanker executives remain bullish on China, saying crude oil demand will not follow the way of coal and iron ore.

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