VLCC rates could reach $80,000 per day
US sanctions on Iran causing further boost in demand According to analysts from Clarksons and Braemar, spot rates for the largest crude tankers may surge to up to $80,000 per day as President Donald Trump’s administration tightens sanctions on Iranian oil exports. The crackdown is expected to shift more crude shipments to mainstream tanker fleets, […]
Tanker market strengthens overall
Suezmax leading the pack as rates increase once more The tanker market remains strong this week, with the Suezmax segment seeing the most remarkable increase. According to Fearnleys, Suezmax spot rates have risen by 16% week-on-week, surpassing $50,000 per day. The Aframax and LR2 markets have also shown firm improvements. Gas, car markets holding firm […]
Trump pushes for Ukraine peace talks
The impact of a potential truce will vary across different tanker segments This week, US president Donald Trump called for immediate Ukraine peace negotiations after a “highly productive” 90-minute call with Vladimir Putin. Ukraine’s president Zelenskyy also spoke with Trump, expressing hope for “lasting peace”. Scrapyard-bound Russian fleet may boost market after detente While crude […]
US escalates sanctions to cut off Iran oil exports
Positive tanker market impact set to continue As part of its maximum pressure strategy on Iran, the US has issued new sanctions this week aimed at blocking Iranian oil sales. The objective is to reduce the country’s oil exports to zero, preventing the government from funding its nuclear program. The sanctions specifically target individuals and […]
A milestone for clean shipping
Groundbreaking time-charter agreed for ammonia-fueled carrier Yara Clean Ammonia and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) have signed the world’s first time-charter agreement for an ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier. The vessel, set for delivery in November 2026, marks a key step in reducing emissions in the shipping sector. Major step towards sustainable supply chain This partnership, […]
VLGC market set to remain soft throughout February
Q2 rebound anticipated as arbitrage improves The VLGC market remains soft despite increased activity in the West. While a few more February deals are expected before the market transitions to March fixing, the position list for the remainder of February remains well-filled. According to Clarksons, earnings on the standard Houston-to-Chiba (Japan) route declined by 12% […]
Limited tonnage fuels tanker market momentum
Increased sanctions boosting overall earnings The tanker market continues to show positive momentum, with average crude tanker earnings rising by 16% week-on-week to over $40,000 per day. This increase is primarily driven by mainstream tankers benefiting from intensified sanctions activity and limited tonnage availability in Western regions. Suezmax earnings on the rise throughout According to […]
Trump restores maximum pressure on Iran
China complying with US sanction on Iranian crude exports According to the White House, the US has reintroduced its “maximum pressure” strategy on Iran, aiming to reduce crude oil exports to zero. With China, the largest importer of Iranian crude, now complying with OFAC sanctions, Iranian exports – currently at 1.5mbpd – are expected to […]
Crude Tanker and VLGC market gathering pace
Suezmax rates rise by 25% in strong week overall The crude tanker market had a strong week, with VLCC rates on the MEG-China route rising 10.6% to around $50,000/day, according to Fearnleys. The Suezmax segment also saw a significant 25% week-on-week increase, reaching $40,000/day, reflecting solid market momentum. Upside predicted for 2nd half of 2025 […]
US tariffs and their market impact
As trade war ramps up, the tanker market may well benefit Earlier this week, the US Administration announced 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods (10% on Canadian energy) and 10% on Chinese imports, set to take effect at the beginning of March (delayed by one month from the first announcement). While these tariffs could […]
