There has been a rumor circulating that Norway's John Fredriksen had been linked with a four 320,000-dwt very large crude oil carriers, bound for Frontline 2012, with Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries.
However, it turns out to be untrue.
Sources said the four VLCCs cost around $87.5m apiece, discounted from current average of VLCC newbuilding prices at around $95m, with delivery starts from 2013.
The Korean shipyard and Fredriksen all denied against the order.
Meanwhile, as shipowners expect 2015 would be the earliest time the VLCC market will sail toward recovery, they tend to avoid risks of taking early delivery in 2013-2014.
Therefore, many shipyards, being under pressure to fill upcoming holes in delivery schedules, are offering lower prices.