Not one VLCC newbuilding deal has been concluded for more than a year.

According to brokers, reference sources and TradeWinds data, the last order was signed more than 12 months ago — in June 2021, when Euronav booked a vessel at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries due for delivery in 2023.

“This is the longest period of no shipbuilding activity for VLCCs in more than 25 years,” Eva Tzima, head of research at Seaborne Shipbrokers, said.