Platts: No Quick Return for Iran’s Tanker Fleet if Sanctions Lifted

“National Iranian Tanker Corporation’s fleet — approximately 37 VLCCs, 9 Suezmaxes, and 5 Aframaxes — will not make a speedy return if sanctions against Iran are lifted, shipbroker Poten & Partners said in a report. A review of satellite position records showed 16 VLCCs are being used for storage, Poten & Partners said. As such, it is unlikely that these 16 vessels will enter the market at one time.” “Furthermore, [other] vessels will have to be brought out of near lay-up [idle] conditions, which will take additional time and money,” it said.”