Herbjorn Hansson is backing Nordic American Tankers for a stronger showing in 2018.

The tanker owner signed a $600m recapitalization package in the closing days of last year in what was a tough 12 months for the wider crude sector.

In his latest update to investors today, NAT chief Hansson said: “During the first half of 2018 at the latest, when the recapitalization program is finalized, NAT will be one of the financially strongest tanker companies listed on Wall Street.”