Germany's John T Essberger has snapped up a fleet of 14 tankers after buying Danish tanker owner Crystal Nordic from its private-equity linked backers.

It has acquired the company from Triton-owned Nordic Tankers and Embarcadero Maritime, a joint venture between Borealis Maritime and private-equity player KKR.

Per Sylvester Jensen, Chairman of Crystal Nordic, says John T Essberger will allow the greater services and flexibility to customers.