VLCCs took a slight dip on Friday, but the general trend line remains upward.

The largest tankers have gained nearly $9,000 since 22 June and just over $12,100 from all-time lows on 31 May to finish at -$22,707 per day on Friday according to the Baltic Exchange's time charter equivalent assessment.

Shipbroker Howe Robinson described back-to-back busy weeks to help the ailing crude oil tankers.