Greek shipowner Chandris has locked one of its VLCCs into a two-year storage charter.

Shipbrokers said refiner Petroineos Trading has chartered the 299,000-dwt Australis (built 2003) at $20,000 per day.

The deal appears attractive for the shipowner, given the tanker will save on operating costs. However, brokers added that a storage deal could make the ship less attractive, given that it may lose major oil company approvals.