Broking sources have suggested a number of old VLCCs potentially involved in sanctioned trades with Iran and Venezuela may be heading for demolition yards.

One market player said “a few” veteran vessels have been placed on the market.

But it is not yet clear whether sales have been concluded for further trading or scrap.

Executives at publicly-listed tanker companies have long bemoaned the continued trading presence of about 50 VLCCs that would otherwise have been recycled were it not for the sanctioned business.