Pool player Tankers International (TI) is opening an office in the US as it grows its operation with its new scrubber-fitted VLCC arm spurred by the entry of two new shipowners Hunter Group and Hartree Maritime Partners.

TI said it is setting up its new US outfit within the New York offices of its pool partner International Seaways.

The addition of the Hunter and Hartree Maritime VLCCs boosts TI's commercially managed ships to 73 vessels.