Clarksons Securities is tipping the “eagerly anticipated” initial public offering (IPO) of Stolt Tankers to take place in the second half of this year.

The spin-off of Oslo-listed Stolt-Nielsen’s chemical tanker fleet has been in the works since 2017.

But now there is serious momentum towards a deal, with analysts believing the final steps are now being taken.

“We believe it is likely to take place in the second half of 2023,” said Frode Morkedal and Even Kolsgaard.