ExxonMobil is scouting shipyards and shipowners for up to four ice-class aframax tankers.

Industry sources said the US energy major is tendering for offers on two ice-class 1A tankers capable of bow-loading, with an option on a further two vessels.

They indicated that Samsung Heavy Industries is well placed for this type of business, and they name Teekay LNG, Sovcomflot (SCF Group), Malaysia’s AET Tankers and Knutsen OAS Shipping as among those who might be likely contenders to play the shipowner role in the potential transaction.