Suezmax tanker specialist Nordic American Tankers reported recent spot fixtures for its vessels at rates ranging from $37,000 to $95,000 per day, according to a company’s statement.

The shipping company disclosed five recent charter deals with major oil companies.

The fixtures include a 50-day voyage at approximately $95,000 per day, a 33-day (around) charter at a time charter equivalent (TCE) rate of about $78,000 per day, and a fixture for a voyage of more than 30-days at a TCE of around $65,000 per day.

Additional fixtures were secured for over 40 days at a TCE of about $52,000 per day and approximately 50 days at a rate of about $37,000 per day.

US-listed NAT said on Friday that the operating costs for its ships are about $9,000 per day.

Herbjorn Hansson, founder-chairman and CEO of NAT, attributed the charter rate levels to vessel scarcity in the market.

“There is a scarcity of vessels, producing room for the high rates. All numbers are approximations. All fixtures are to major oil companies,” the company’s chief said.

Nordic American Tankers noted that Venezuela, which reportedly holds about 17% of global oil reserves, has generated industry interest. The interest in Venezuela is probably the result of the oil reserves in that country. 

The company stated its ships have not been in Venezuela for several years.