Suezmaxes and Aframaxes strengthen as Guyana restricts VLCCs

Kirkuk-Ceyhan to restart while OPEC+ flows boost demand Suezmaxes and Aframaxes are emerging as the key beneficiaries of recent shifts in crude flows, with multiple developments reinforcing demand across both the Atlantic and Mediterranean markets. In the South Atlantic, seasonal restrictions are preventing VLCCs from loading Guyanese crude until January, redirecting volumes to Suezmaxes. Analysts […]

Strong week for midsize tankers car carriers as trade flows shift

Suezmax and Aframax segments supported by supply boosts Tankers The midsize tanker market saw renewed support this week, with continued steady earnings while VLCC earnings eased after last week’s surge. In the South Atlantic, seasonal restrictions – preventing VLCCs from loading Guyanese crude until January – are shifting volumes onto Suezmaxes. Analysts noted that last year […]

Ammonia-ready ships gain Panama Canal priority

Canal opens “NetZero Slot”, prioritizing future-fuel vessels The Panama Canal will launch a weekly “NetZero Slot” this November, reserving priority transit for dual-fuel vessels capable of operating on low-carbon fuels such as ammonia, methanol, bio-LNG, and bio-LPG. While vessels will not be required to use these fuels immediately, the Canal will recognise owners that have […]

Houthi attack near Aden underscores shipping risks

Red Sea hostility, an increasing cause of disruption On September 20, a vessel was attacked near Aden in an incident attributed to Houthi rebels. While traffic through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden continues, the episode highlights the ongoing security risks for vessels transiting this key route. Such instability raises the prospect of higher […]

Fed rate cut supports shipping finance

Lowered rates a potential boost to trade demand The US Federal Reserve reduced interest rates by 0.25%, last week, with the possibility of further cuts before year-end. Lower rates support asset values, reduce financing costs, and improve access to capital for owners and operators. For shipping, this creates a more favourable financing environment across all […]

OPEC+ increases production

Tanker demand supported by longer hauls, increased volumes OPEC+ members confirmed last week that they would continue to unwind production cuts, adding new volumes to the market. Additionally, Iraq and the Kurdish regional government reached an agreement to restart pipeline exports through Turkey, restoring roughly 230,000 barrels per day that had been offline since 2023.  […]

Crude tankers with strong momentum

Impressive rates as we move into winter VLCC earnings have surged to their highest level in two and a half years, averaging USD 94,267 per day last week, a 14% week-on-week increase according to Clarksons. On the benchmark AG-China route, rates touched USD 100,000 per day, supported by limited fleet growth, increased OPEC+ output, and […]

Solid market development in tankers, with some decline in VLGC rates (LPG)

Strong market fundamentals overall this week Tankers: Crude oil tankers with strong momentum, driven by VLCCsVLCC earnings increased by 14% last week, supported by limited availability in the Atlantic and a recovery in US Gulf–China volumes. Although gains in the Suezmax and Aframax segments were more moderate, both recorded increases, and analysts estimate that these […]

Industry Prepares for Acceleration Beyond 2030

Dual-fuel design underpins long-term competitiveness Shipping executives expect adoption of alternative marine fuels to accelerate after 2030 as stricter emissions rules take effect. Green ammonia is emerging as a leading pathway to deep decarbonisation, and EMF’s vessels are being built with dual-fuel engines that can be converted to run on ammonia once the fuel becomes […]

US and China clash over Russian oil

Shifting trade routes add volatility, but support tanker utilisation The US has signalled that tougher sanctions on Russia will depend on Europe cutting its reliance on Russian energy and shifting toward American exports. The US is pressing Europe to reduce Russian oil imports in favour of American supplies, a shift that could redirect trade flows […]