Tanker newbuilding activity has reached an eight-year high with VLCC contracting setting a post-crash peak in 2015, according to figures from a leading shipbroker.

Data from EA Gibson shows 358 new crude and products tankers ordered during the past year.

The figure marks a rise from the 171 contracted in 2014 and represents the highest annual tally since 2007 when 431 tanker newbuildings were chalked up.