Norway's Frontline says worst is over for tanker market
Norwegian independent tanker operator Frontline said Friday the worst for the tanker sector was over, adding it was well positioned for any rebound in the market.
Frontline, which has one of the world's largest fleets of VLCC and Suezmax tankers, said that persistent negative market drivers have subsided over the course of 2018.
It said that while demand for crude oil had remained strong throughout the year, inventories falling below the five-year average because of drawdowns, was reducing demand for tankers.
"Tanker markets are beginning to rebalance following 18 months of extremely challenging conditions, and we are optimistic that the market has now exited the cycle trough," CEO Robert Hvide Macleod said.
"Oil inventory draws, fleet growth and production cuts have been against us, but these important factors are now turning in our favor," he added.
Frontline, controlled by Norwegian shipping billionaire John Fredriksen, said it had actively positioned its fleet to participate in the market upturn. The company said it had a large fleet of modern and fuel-efficient vessels, with an average age of 4.1 years and that their cash break-even levels were among the most competitive in the industry.
Frontline said that at the start of 2018, the global crude oil tanker fleet was expected to grow by 8.3%, with 57 VLCCs scheduled for delivery. So far in 2018, 36 VLCCs had been delivered, compared with the 35 VLCCs that were reported recycled in the year to date.
The company said that consistent high scrap prices, combined with a very weak freight market, had driven recycling to a near record pace.
"We expect that the net effect will be virtually zero VLCC fleet growth in 2018," it said. "We also expect vessel recycling to continue in 2019, despite the stronger spot market, but at a slower pace than seen in 2018."
source: S & P Global Platts
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