Nordic American Tankers (NAT) joined its fellow crude tanker owners in posting a first-quarter loss, but has fallen behind an improving market.

The Herbjorn Hansson-led suezmax specialist reported a $27m loss for the first three months of 2022 and has booked 70% of its second-quarter revenue days at $20,000 per day.

“This is the best illustration possible of an advantageous market for our suezmax tankers,” the company said in its earnings release.