Tokyo: Four major shipowners have signed an agreement to pool a fleet of around 50 VLCCs.

    Mitsui OSK Lines/Phoenix Tankers Pte Ltd, Maersk Tankers, Samco Shipholding and Ocean Tankers, Singapore, have signed a letter of intent to pool roughly 50 VLCCs with an average age of three years.

    The pool, which could control around 10% of the world fleet is expected to start operations on 1 February next year with offices in Singapore, Copenhagen and New York.

    “The flexibility of a large, young and reliable fleet ensures that the VLCC Pool can, at all times, offer relevant vessels of the highest standard to cater for our customers’ need for safe and environmentally friendly marine transportation,” the companies said in a statement.

source:www.seatrade-asia.com