One player said: "Everything is up in the air." Such a plan "may be a preferred option at this point considering the improvements in the tanker market," he adds. "There are some good names out there prepared to help manage and support a stand-alone plan."

Such discussions appear to present at least a potential challenge to John Fredriksen's Frontline, which otherwise seems to be bolstering its position as the favourite to control the Golden fleet.

Frontline