Petrobras’ has scrapped a total of nine tankers dating from the 1980s and 1990s in a mass clear-out that began in July.

The vessels, all of which were built at Brazilian shipyards barring one LPG carrier, have been laid up for longer than a year, sources familiar with the sales said.

Last Thursday, Indian shiprecyclers purchased the 55,600-dwt Pedreiras (built 1993) and the 66,700-dwt sisterships Pirai and Pirajui (both built 1990) via a Petrobras-organised auction.