About 50 old tankers that should have been scrapped are still trading due to Iranian and Venezuelan business — but this "illicit trade" has now reached capacity.

This is according to Euronav chief executive Hugo De Stoop, who was asked by analysts on a conference call about prospects for scrapping in the second half of 2021.

"Well, I wish I had a crystal ball or I wish someone would listen to my prayers," he said.