Gulf VLCC freight east slips, rates west firmer

Freight prices for transporting crude from the Gulf were mixed this week as rates to the east slipped, while journeys west firmed, shipbrokers said on Friday.
Very Large Crude Carrier spot rates from the Gulf to Singapore and Japan were pegged at the W130 level, down from W137 10 days ago.
Prices eased after a surge since May driven by OPEC leakage and commitments from Saudi Arabia to supply more oil.
Core voyages to Asia are still way off peaks seen in early February of around W172.
VLCC westbound voyages to the United States were up 10 points to the W110 mark and were also firmer t Europe at W112.50.
From West Africa, VLCC rates to the US Gulf were little changed at W125.
Little action was seen on VLCCs out of the North Sea, while Aframaxes on the UK/Cont were pegged slightly firmer at W160/W165.