Cross-northwest Europe clean tanker freight rates, basis 22,000 mt, were pegged at Worldscale 190-195 Monday, after rising w10 to be assessed at a five-month high of w190 Friday on tight tonnage.

Cross-NWE rates last reached w190 on June 18, Platts data showed.

"The earliest position in ARA is around December 10 for Flexisize tankers, and Handy tonnage is tight as well," said a charterer.

According to sources, Neste could not find an available Handysize tanker for a 22,000 mt cargo due to load around December 6-8 from Porvoo. "There is no vessel for those dates," the charterer said.

"I think the freight rates should remain at this sort of level this week, as we are nearing Christmas. So, charterers will try to fix before the rates go further up," said a shipowner.

"We are now coming up to winter and the ice rules should come into force soon," said a shipbroker, referring to International Navigation Limits rules (formerly Institute Warranty Limits). These outline areas in which there are hazards from ice, such as the Baltic Sea, at certain times of the year.

For the vessel and its cargo to remain insured during winter, the tanker needs to be ice-class -- have a stronger hull able to resist an encounter with ice. Ice-class tankers usually command a premium over standard tankers, because they are heavier and use more bunker fuel.