New York-listed Navios Maritime Acquisition has reportedly sold an aged VLCC at a surprisingly strong price following the expiry of the ship’s time charter last month.

Brokers said the Angeliki Frangou-led owner sold the 298,700-dwt Nave Celeste (built 2003), for $25m in early January. It was the oldest ship in its fleet.

The VLCC had been fixed on a period charter with a base rate of $18,710 per day until December, according to Navios Acquisition’s website.