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 […]
India set to overtake China in oil demand growth
Near-term impact: Longer voyages and diversified flows Recent forecasts from OPEC+ and Trafigura suggest India’s oil demand growth will outpace China’s as early as in 2025, supported by industrialisation, urbanisation, and rising vehicle ownership. In the near term, this shift is likely to increase long-haul crude shipments from the US, Middle East, and West Africa […]
Floating storage demand signals short-term boost
Inventories push buyers offshore Global oil inventories are forecast to rise sharply in the coming quarters, with the US Energy Information Administration projecting builds of 2.3m barrels per day. If onshore capacity tightens, buyers may again turn to ships for floating storage, echoing dynamics last seen in 2020. At that time, up to 11% of […]
Notable optimism heading into Q4
Tankers: Strong momentum in crude segments Crude tanker markets continued to strengthen, with VLCC earnings rising 36% week-on-week to a two-year high of USD 82,200/day, driven by robust volumes and a tightening tonnage list. Suezmax and Aframax segments also showed resilience, supported by firmer sentiment in the Atlantic basin. Crude markets continue to underpin optimism […]
Rising exports and stronger freight sentiment
OPEC+ extends output growth, supporting Q4 outlook OPEC+’s decision to raise output for a sixth consecutive month highlights a clear shift toward protecting their market share. While October’s 137,000 bpd increase is small in isolation, cumulative hikes since April now exceed 2m bpd and are beginning to filter into global trade. Middle East exports rose […]
US pressures Europe on Russian energy
Washington links tougher sanctions to EU reliance on US exports Senior Trump administration officials signalled that the US is prepared to expand sanctions on Russia but only if Europe reduces its reliance on Russian energy. US officials pressed Europe to replace Russian oil and gas with American exports, framing it as key to weakening Moscow’s […]
Resilient demand and policy support
Strong US sales, Chinese EV momentum, and evolving European regulations The US auto market strengthened in August, with sales up 2.1% year-on-year, led by GM, Ford, and Toyota. Policy also turned supportive, as President Trump signed an order reducing tariffs on Japanese cars from 27.5% to 15%, offering relief to Japan’s automakers. Asia and Europe […]
