EU’s 18th Sanctions Package on Russia
Implications for the Tanker Market In July 2025, the European Union agreed on its 18th sanctions package against Russia, aimed at further weakening Moscow’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine. A key element of the package is a revised oil price cap mechanism. Replacing the earlier fixed $60 per barrel ceiling set by the […]
A busy and successful June at EMF
Vessel deliveries, PCTC sales, and a celebration at Nor-Shipping Week This month has been an eventful month for European Maritime Finance. We can proudly announce that we have had delivery of two vessels; our 2nd PCTC, Green Star, and our 9th and last Aframax/LR2 tanker, Athenian Star. Furthermore, we held a reception at Nor-Shipping, celebrating […]
Open conflict drives market disruption
Hostilities complicate operations as June rates rose sharply before normalizing June was marked by a sharp escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict, beginning with Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. In retaliation, Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones, targeting major Israeli cities. The United States later joined the conflict, conducting direct strikes […]
Promising signs ahead for PCTC market
Stable earnings and longer routes support the market after a slow start of the year The PCTC market remained stable in June, showing signs of steady growth after a subdued start to the year. New EU car registrations rose 1.6% year-on-year in May, while battery electric vehicles reached a 15.4% market share. Strong seaborne volumes […]
Factors converge for thriving gas market
Gas rates surge amid Middle East instability The LPG market experienced a strong recovery in June, culminating in a sharp upswing in week 26. Benchmark rates on the Arabian Gulf–East Asia route climbed to over USD 70,000/day – the highest levels recorded this year. Earlier in the month, spot rates on the Houston-Chiba route also […]
EMF operating fleet map
See where the EMF vessels are going at this very moment Freeport Star Route: Enroute from Skikda, Al to NY. Located at Skikda, Algeria Port Skikda traces its origins to the ancient Phoenician and Roman settlement of Russicada, which served as the maritime gateway to the inland city of Cirta, the capital of Numidia. Stavanger […]
Rounding up a volatile month
Middle East tensions and OPEC+ support lifted tanker earnings in the short term June was defined by one word: volatility. While the first half of the month saw mixed activity and seasonal softness, the tanker market rebounded strongly in the latter half due to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. VLCC rates more than doubled […]
The shadow fleet in focus
Why it matters, and what comes next The shadow fleet – tankers transporting oil from sanctioned nations like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela – has become a central factor in the tanker market. These vessels, often operating with limited oversight and no standard vetting, now make up an estimated 23% of the global fleet. Most are […]
IMO hits carbon-intensive vessels with fees
Daily carbon costs set to rise sharply over a decade The IMO has introduced new regulations aimed at achieving net-zero emissions for global shipping. These rules will have a direct financial impact on older, less efficient vessels that are more carbon-intensive. Under the new agreement, by 2028, all ships over 5,000 GT – including those […]
PCTC market finding strong, stable plateau
Stronger fundamentals supports outlook After declining from record highs seen in 2023 and early 2024, PCTC spot rates appear to have stabilized around the USD 50,000/day level. While down from peak levels, this still represents highly profitable territory for owners. The rate stabilization, combined with improving trade dynamics, suggests growing market confidence and healthier fundamentals […]
