Sohmen-Pao-led BW has taken on five owned ships and a further five the Danish owner has on charter.

Hanne Sorensen, CEO of Maersk Tankers: “This transaction supports our strategy to focus on fewer segments."

Both camps are keeping quiet about the value of the takeover which sources are pegging at around $300m.

Andreas Sohmen-Pao, CEO BW Group, explained: “Maersk Tankers has a fleet of high quality vessels and BW is pleased to be acquiring this fleet.

“With