A series of period tanker charters involving big-name operators have underlined the rise in rates this year.

Graphs for one-year fixes have shown earnings rising steeply since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, following spot market strength.

Brokers reported Algerian owner Sonatrach’s veteran 315,800-dwt VLCC Mesdar (built 2007) booked at $19,500 per day for six months, with another half-year option, by Swiss charterer Mercuria.