Fotis Giannakoulis's questions to NORDIC AMERICAN TANKERS (NAT) leadership • Q4 2018
Question
Fotis Giannakoulis from Morgan Stanley asked for background on the new lender, Beal Bank, and its significance for shipping finance. He also inquired about the impact of rising U.S. crude exports and the potential for Saudi Arabia to shift from burning crude to exporting it.
Answer
Chairman and CEO Herbjørn Hansson described Beal Bank as a 'first-class bank' whose counter-cyclical approach aligns with NAT's strategy. Regarding U.S. exports, he highlighted the positive impact of the Brent-WTI price differential and arbitrage opportunities on the tanker industry. He acknowledged the complex geopolitical situation in the Middle East but did not offer a specific prediction on Saudi Arabia's fuel strategy.