Stena Bulk has opened up on a major time charter expansion of the Sonangol Suezmax pool with ships taken in from three owners during a downturn in freight rates.

Tankers from KG Jebsen, Ciner Ship Management of Turkey and Almi Tankers of Greece have joined the pool in the past six months.

In a statement today, Erik Hanell, chief executive of Stena Bulk, said the company had seen opportunity in what had been a stable low market.