WAF-Far East VLCC dirty tanker freight rates highest in 2013: sources

Dirty tanker freight rates for deliveries between West Africa and the Far East on VLCCs reached their highest level of the year to date Monday, supported by activity in the Persian Gulf, shipowners and shipbrokers said Tuesday.
WAF-Far East VLCC freight rates jumped $1.50/mt to be assessed by Platts at $19.30/mt Monday, the highest since November 27, when they were $20.40/mt.
Typically, WAF-Far East rates strengthen when there are more cargoes waiting to be covered from the Persian Gulf to the Far East, shipping sources said, as ships from the east do not generally ballast to the WAF region when rates in the Gulf are firm, limiting the number of available vessels.
Sources predicted that WAF-Far East rates will move higher Tuesday.
The Chryssi, owned by Andros Maritime Agencies, was heard on subjects to Unipec loading on August 13 from West Africa to China on Tuesday afternoon. Sources at Andros Maritime confirmed the fixture.
Source: Platts