Despite strong freight rates, the first quarter of this year saw just one VLCC and two suezmax orders recorded.

John Fredriksen is this week understood to have added to the tally with a deal for two firm VLCCs and two options at Jinhai Heavy Industry at close to $78m each (see story, left).

Euronav chief executive Paddy Rodgers (pictured) tells TradeWinds he hopes owners frustrated by a lack of activity in the S&P market will not be tempted by cheap new tankers.