Tanker values are expected to maintain upward momentum through the coming year, supported by steady demand, geopolitical disruptions, and limited fleet growth. The combination of sanctions, longer voyage distances, and constrained newbuilding capacity continues to underpin firm earnings and asset prices across the crude segments.

According to Veson Nautical, the outlook remains positive for Suezmax and Aframax vessels in particular. They forecast both segments to extend gains through the first half of 2026, with Aframax values rising by nearly 10 percent before any meaningful correction. Sustained OPEC output, strong Atlantic Basin exports, and increasing tonne-miles from trade dislocations continue to support utilization.

They anticipate that VLCC and Suezmax values could peak in mid-2026 before gradually easing, the overall adjustment is expected to be moderate given the current 15–16 percent orderbook-to-fleet ratio and limited scrapping activity. The broader market remains well balanced, and regional demand from India and other Asian economies is likely to cushion any slowdown in Chinese crude imports.