The Hyundai-built, 104,000-dwt Zaliv Anadyr (built 2009) is said to have been be tied up on subjects for $27m.
Some say Bakri Navigation of Saudi Arabia is behind the purchase as the company has picked up a number of aframaxes lately.
The sales process has coincided with a period of pressure on tanker values. When TradeWinds first reported that the ship was ready for inspection in November, sources suggested it might get $35m.