Greek tanker owner Empire Navigation has reportedly sold a 10-year-old MR product carrier as the company works to renew its fleet through an extensive newbuilding programme.

Brokers in the US and in Europe said the Stamatis Molaris-controlled company has sold the 50,000-dwt tanker MR Orestes (built 2009) for $19.1m. The deal is still on subjects.

Reports point to Atlantica Shipping of Norway as the buyer, but TradeWinds understands this is not the case, although the company has shown interest in the tanker.