Pyxis Tankers has started the financial year in the red, but has predicted a “sustainable improvement” in vessel earnings going forward.

The pure-play product tanker owner lost $2.3m for the three months ended 31 March 2019, against a profit 12 months ago of $604,000.

However, the Valentios Valentis-led shipowner saw its 2018 first quarter result was boosted by a one-off gain from debt extinguishment of $4.3m.