22 more tankers hit the water in February, once again dominated by product tankers - 17 to five. Of these 17, 13 were MRs, joined by four LR2s. On the crude side, two VLCCs were delivered, along with one Suezmax and Aframax apiece. Already between January and February, 66 tankers were delivered, compared with 29 during the same period last year.
It has also been a busier start on the demolition front, albeit only marginally. Five more tankers were demolished in February - two Handysizes and one MR, LR1 and Suezmax apiece. Eight tankers have been demolished so far this year.
Finally, on the newbuilding side, there was an apparent slowdown in February. 37 tankers were ordered last month, the fewest in a calendar month since August last year. Once again, there was slightly more interest in crude tankers, with 19 compared to 18 on the product side. Suezmaxes and VLCCs led the way on crude, with 10 and nine orders, respectively. 14 MRs were also ordered, along with four LR2s.