Suezmaxes and Aframaxes are emerging as the key beneficiaries of recent shifts in crude flows, with multiple developments reinforcing demand across both the Atlantic and Mediterranean markets.

In the South Atlantic, seasonal restrictions are preventing VLCCs from loading Guyanese crude until January, redirecting volumes to Suezmaxes. Analysts noted that last year this effectively doubled tonne-mile demand during the same period, and the effect may be stronger this year given higher production.

At the same time, the restart of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline is expected to boost Mediterranean employment, with around 390 kb/d of Kurdish crude resuming exports. These volumes have traditionally been lifted equally on Aframaxes and Suezmaxes, with Italy, Greece and Israel as the primary recipients.

Broader supply dynamics also provide support. OPEC+ production increases, alongside rising exports from Brazil, Guyana, Argentina and Canada, are set to keep Atlantic flows robust. Combined, these factors are creating fresh employment opportunities and underpinning sentiment for midsize crude carriers.