Scorpio Tankers, the world’s largest owner of product tankers, is expanding its links with Vitol, reportedly providing two LR2s on period charters.

The Geneva-headquartered trader has reached an agreement to take on the LR2s on six-month charters in an effort to take a longer position in the segment, a source with knowledge of the situation said.

The arrangement builds on a 15-year relationship that currently sees several ships that Vitol has on time charter from other owners operating in Monaco-based Scorpio's pools.