How slow can you go? That is the question for tanker owners in the current market.

In response to exceptionally weak freight rates in the first quarter, VLCCs are travelling at ever slower speeds.

A chartering manager at one VLCC pool said ships may slow down to eight to 10 knots on ballast legs.

Charterers set speeds on the laden voyages, but they also seem to be in little rush to get their cargo quickly.