Shipowner Viken Shipping is benefiting from the time charter-focused employment strategy for its vessels.

The Bergen-based company, which is controlled by shipowner Tom Chr Steckmest, has reported a pre-tax profit of $22.7m for 2018, up from $19.3m a year earlier. Operating revenues increased from $167m to $175m.

Viken has focused on term charters for its fleet of 22 tankers from 12,800 dwt to 156,000 dwt in size, which are mostly owned through joint ventures.