Embiricos family company Aeolos Management has concluded the fourth sale of an ageing VLCC this year in a spree that has raised about $100m in proceeds.

The latest deal for the 319,400-dwt VLCC Skopelos (built 2002) is being concluded in the teeth of a bleak freight market for such ships.

The transaction has been made possible by continued buying interest from little-known Asian buyers, who may be earmarking the vessels for special, captive employment.