Lloyd’s List: Vitol Tops List of Long Range Two Charterers

“Oil trader Vitol has emerged as the largest charterer of clean aframax tankers in 2010, with the class the only sector to show any growth in numbers hired. Analysis from New York-based tanker broker and consultancy Poten & Partners has identified the world’s top 10 charterers of all clean tankers above 37,500 dwt carrying refined oil products in 2010, based on fixtures reported to the market. Total reported fixtures contracted were down from 2009 levels, said Poten. Some 5,218 fixtures were recorded — a drop of 470 from 2009, when 5,688 fixtures were reported, but more than the 4,913 in 2008. This is thought to represent 10-20% of all global voyages.”