How Black Sea escalation fuels new pressure on the Russia-Ukraine war

Increases in maritime war-risk insurance and intensified naval attacks deepen the conflict’s global economic and security fallout Recent strikes by Black Sea maritime forces have triggered a dramatic spike in war-risk premiums for ships and tankers operating in the region. Within the past month, insurance costs for vessels calling at Black Sea ports have nearly […]

Crude tankers strengthen as clean-to-dirty switching tightens supply

Record crossover activity and longer haul trade patterns reinforce a constructive crude tanker outlook The crude tanker market has built sustained strength in recent weeks, supported by one of the most significant clean-to-dirty shifts seen in recent years. In November alone, thirty-three product tankers moved into crude trades as spot earnings for crude tonnage surged […]

Strength in Aframax and VLGC segments anchors shipping markets

Elevated risk premiums on Russian trades, steady PCTC rates, and improving VLGC sentiment Tanker: Aframax strength uplifts tanker segmentIt was another strong week for tankers, even though the overall average eased slightly due to setbacks in the VL and Suezmax markets. VLCC rates declined as delays in China slowed vessel resupply, creating port congestion. Suezmax […]

OPEC+ holds steady as supply risks support crude sentiment

Stable quotas meet emerging disruptions, helping steady the market after weak month OPEC+ has confirmed that production targets will remain unchanged through the first quarter of 2026, maintaining just over 3 million barrels per day of cuts. The group cited a stable economic backdrop and generally supportive fundamentals, with inventories still at low levels. A […]

Escalating attacks disrupt Black Sea flows and renew caution in the Red Sea

Strikes on energy infrastructure and uncertainty in key trade lanes keep global shipping risk elevated Security pressures have intensified across major corridors. In the Black Sea, recent drone strikes on tankers and the CPC export system have reduced loading capacity and introduced fresh uncertainty around regional oil flows. With CPC representing a significant share of […]

Elevated tanker markets – firmer gas carriers

Market strength builds across multiple segments as global trade patterns and corporate strategies continue to evolve Tanker: Market remains elevatedThe tanker market remains strong, despite average crude tanker earnings slightly decreasing by 2% week-on-week. VLCC rates remain elevated despite a minor softening. The Aframax segment saw strong performance. Looking ahead, both the Suexmax and Aframax […]

Sanctions, peace talks and shifting revenue pressures

Oil prices are steady as investors weigh hopes for Ukraine peace talks and a US Fed rate cut Oil prices steadied on Monday after a three percent drop last week as markets assessed two major variables that could reshape supply expectations. Investors continue to watch the prospect of a US rate cut, while also following […]

Geopolitics drive new trade patterns

Sanctions, rerouting and resilient illicit flows shape year-end demand India’s shift away from Russian crude tightens the marketNew US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil are prompting Indian refiners to scale back Russian imports, tightening compliant tanker availability and lifting earnings. Floating crude stocks rose sharply in October as cargoes were rerouted, and India is now […]

Another strong week for tankers supported by high outflows from the Middle East

Momentum in China and India set to bolster PCTC market Tanker: Continued market gains this weekVLCC rates continued to experience gains, reaching a 5-year high last week. Suezmax rates also remain strong, followed by the product segment, which now also experience increased earnings. Crude markets are being shaped more by fears of oversupply and emerging […]

Everllence introduces ammonia engines to global maritime industry

EMF attended Everrlence launch; maritime industry discusses decarbonization Everllence, formerly MAN Energy Solutions, the company behind the engines in EMF’s three VLAC’s, announced the launch of its new ammonia dual-fuel engine in Copenhagen last week, marking a major step toward zero carbon propulsion in the maritime sector. EMF attended the event, which brought together industry […]