OPEC+ output supports crude carrier utilization

Spot earnings exceed seasonal norms, signaling momentum into September The crude segment has entered a strong August, with spot earnings well above seasonal norms. Behind the momentum is a clear shift in fundamentals. OPEC+ has added around 2.5 million barrels per day over the past year, directly supporting crude carrier demand, while China continues to […]

Renewed US focus on shipping significant to global trade

US Maritime push underscores shipping’s importance President Trump’s recently announced maritime strategy underscores Washington’s intent to channel new investment into U.S. shipbuilding and shipping infrastructure. Branded as the One Big Beautiful Bill, the initiative signals a recognition at the highest political level of the sector’s strategic importance. Questions remain, however, over whether the current administration […]

Another strong week overall

Modest market shifts as Russia-Ukraine developments draw focus For the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the prospect of a peace deal is being seriously discussed. Any resolution would have an impact on energy markets, trade routes, and global supply chains. Tanker market braced for Ukraine peace talksThe tanker market is performing well due […]

Trump’s meetings with Putin and Zelensky

Sanction policies could change if negotiations were to succeed Talks to end the war in Ukraine returned to focus this week as United States President Donald Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, followed by a separate meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Oil prices eased on Tuesday as markets weighed the possibility […]

Ammonia Advances as Viable Zero-Carbon Fuel

Strong performance data and early bunkering projects drive confidence The transition to ammonia as a zero-carbon fuel is gaining traction, marked by the first green ammonia bunkering operation in China and plans for a new project in Singapore starting in 2027. Ammonia engine tests show 95% emission cutNew findings from the Global Maritime Forum’s Getting […]

Global Oil Fundamentals Strengthen as Demand Forecasts Rise

Firm oil demand outlook points to stable utilization across tankers  The tanker market is positioned to benefit from improving fundamentals in the oil sector. OPEC+ recently agreed to increase crude output, and forecasts point to stronger demand in the second half of the year as global inventories draw down. This week OPEC+ has raised its […]

Firm Tanker Earnings and VLGC Highs Sustain Market Confidence

This week’s market remains firm overall as tariff negotiations rumble on Shipping markets were broadly steady this week, with tankers supported by higher OPEC+ output, LPG carriers benefiting from strong arbitrage and extended sailing distances, and car carriers showing resilience despite tariff headwinds. Geopolitical developments remain in focus, across segments. OPEC+ output growth underpins tanker […]

Trump critical towards IMO’s net-zero framework

Are IMO carbon neutrality plans ‘in danger’ due to Trump? Unites States President Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of the IMO’s net-zero climate strategy, calling it a “global carbon tax on Americans” and warning of retaliatory measures against countries that support it. The plan, set for a final adoption vote in October, would introduce […]

Military threats to Israel-linked vessels

Yemen’s Houthis threaten to target merchant ships The Houthi rebel group in Yemen has launched a new phase of its maritime campaign, vowing to target any merchant vessel linked to countries or companies maintaining commercial ties with Israeli ports. Escalation of years-long Red Sea disruption threatenedBacked by Iran and controlling much of northern Yemen, the […]

Worldwide ammonia rollout continues apace

Successful bunkering demonstrations completed at nine locations The global rollout of ammonia as a marine fuel took a major step forward this week with the publication of new data showing that twelve ammonia bunkering demonstrations have now been successfully completed across nine international locations. These trials included both truck-to-ship and ship-to-ship transfers, all conducted without […]