Product tanker owners look set to enjoy healthy freight rates for at least another 18 months, according to a top US shipbroker.

Poten & Partners said tonne-mile demand and rates for product tankers will “remain strong at least through 2024” based on the current geopolitical and orderbook situation.

“There is no sign that a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine is close and even when the parties reach a cease-fire and stop the hostilities, we don’t expect the world to revert to the pre-war trading patterns for a while,” the broker said.