Mid-May 2025 finds the tanker market battling turbulent seas. Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) soften after a bank holiday slowdown, Suezmax grapples with Atlantic oversupply, Aframax maintains resilience, and Clean markets show mixed fortunes with LR2/LR1 weakening and MR stabilizing. U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil, a Houthi ceasefire, and OPEC+ production hikes shape the horizon, while Russian-Chinese crude blends and U.S.-India flows offer opportunities. This sector is a tanker weathering global storms—let’s chart its course.

⏬ VLCC Market: Softening Under Pressure

Rate Declines

VLCCs, the behemoths of crude transport, face a softening market after a brief rally. The Baltic Exchange’s TD3C (270,000 mt Middle East Gulf-to-China) rate drops 6.5 points to WS59.55, yielding a round-trip time-charter equivalent (TCE) of $41,547 per day, down $8,000 from last week. West Africa-to-China (TD15) falls 4 points to WS61.69 ($44,561 per day), and U.S. Gulf-to-China (TD22) declines $186,533 to $8.66 million ($48,578 per day). Clarksons’ fleet-weighted average dips to $50,583 per day, cooling from mid-April’s $59,700 peak. A bank holiday and quiet Middle East Gulf (MEG) fixtures push TD3C to the low WS60s, with charterers leveraging a growing tonnage list—VLCCs navigate a cautious descent.

Cargo Dynamics

China’s crude imports (11 million bpd in April) sustain VLCC demand, driven by Iranian (1.71 million bpd) and Russian cargoes, but new U.S. sanctions target four VLCCs delivering Iranian oil to China, risking disruptions. Two VLCCs (310,000-dwt and 303,100-dwt) discharge Russian-Chinese crude blends in Venezuela, spoofing AIS to mask destinations. U.S. crude flows to India surge to 470,000 bpd in June, the highest since August 2023, fueled by WTI discounts and tariff delays. OPEC+’s June production hike (411,000 bpd, led by Saudi Arabia) adds four to five VLCCs, but third-decade MEG fixtures remain slow (8 million barrels covered)—VLCCs balance opportunity with sanctions risks.

Global Forces

U.S.-China trade talks (May 11) and potential tariff exemptions (e.g., for energy) create uncertainty, with VLCC asset values holding firm (five-year-old 320,000-dwt at $109.21 million). A Houthi ceasefire may reopen the Red Sea, reducing tonne-miles but boosting short-haul volumes. UK sanctions target 100 shadow fleet tankers (worth $24 billion in 2024), impacting Russian crude flows. Red Sea rerouting persists, supporting TCEs, but low fleet growth (2.4% in 2026) and OPEC+ hikes signal upside. Clarksons notes rising inventories could lift rates in a contango market—VLCCs sail with guarded optimism.

For illustrative purposes only

⏳ Suezmax Market: Atlantic Oversupply

Rate Weakness

Suezmax vessels, vital for West African and Black Sea crude, face mounting pressure. The Baltic’s TD20 (130,000 mt Nigeria-to-UK Continent) drops nearly 10 points to WS89.44, yielding a TCE of $37,051 per day. Guyana-to-UK Continent (TD27) falls 13 points to WS88.33 ($36,042 per day), and CPC-to-Augusta (TD6) collapses 21 points to WS109.15 ($44,500 per day) as CPC charterers use owned tonnage. Middle East-to-Mediterranean (TD23) slips to just below WS90. Rates hit $58,821 per day in April but soften to $52,954 by May 5, with U.S. Gulf replacements at WS85 signaling further declines—Suezmax struggles in an oversupplied Atlantic.

Regional Trends

West Africa sees weak enquiry, with 20+ Suezmax vessels available and 15 options within a five-day window, pushing TD20 toward WS90. U.S. Gulf softness (replacements at 145x85) and transatlantic activity (six options absorbed) limit upside. Black Sea TD6 weakens as CPC demand drops, with only eight third-decade stems remaining. China’s Kazakhstan CPC crude imports (240,000 bpd) and Norway’s Johan Castberg field (135,000 bpd) support rates, but West African barrel sales lag, requiring prompt fixtures. East of Suez markets appear overtonnaged, with ballasters heading to the Cape of Good Hope despite TD20’s decline—Suezmax seeks new demand sources.

External Pressures

U.S. port fees exempt sub-80,000 dwt Suezmax units, and energy tariff exemptions (except LNG) reduce disruptions, per Torm’s CEO. Houthi ceasefire talks could normalize Red Sea routes, offsetting tonne-mile gains with short-haul volumes. U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil and UK’s shadow fleet blacklist (400+ vessels) increase risks. Kazakhstan’s 1.7 million bpd output sustains CPC exports, but OPEC+ cuts (down 160,000 bpd in April) temper volumes. Clarksons forecasts 2.4% crude fleet growth in 2026, outpacing 0.5% demand, signaling rate pressure—Suezmax navigates a challenging outlook.

Trump announces the ceasefire during a meeting at the Oval office May 6, 2025

⏱️ Aframax Market: Resilient but Tested

Rate Stability

Aframax vessels, versatile crude carriers, hold steady amid softening trends. The Baltic’s TD7 (80,000 mt Cross-UK Continent) drops 7 points to WS125 ($39,100 per day, Hound Point-to-Wilhelmshaven). Cross-Mediterranean (TD19) falls 20 points to WS155 ($43,500 per day, Ceyhan-to-Lavera). Atlantic routes weaken, with East Coast Mexico/U.S. Gulf (TD26) and Covenas/U.S. Gulf (TD9) tumbling 28 points to WS140 ($29,100 and $28,800 per day). U.S. Gulf-to-UK Continent (TD25) remains at WS149-150 ($36,300 per day). Rates hit $51,450 per day in April but fall to $40,260 by May 5, yet strategic repositioning sustains resilience—Aframax balances stability with pressure.

Market Dynamics

North Sea rates weaken with growing tonnage lists, though second-decade stems offer activity. Mediterranean markets soften as Libyan and Ceyhan dates advance, with prompt tonnage oversupply. U.S. Gulf sees Aframax rates drop to 145x72.5, with no Suezmax spillover and weak Nigerian crude sales. Two Aframax vessels face U.S. sanctions for Iranian oil transfers, risking availability. Norway’s Johan Castberg (135,000 bpd) and Kazakhstan’s CPC crude support rates, but Atlantic oversupply caps gains. Signal Group’s repositioning to U.S. Gulf/Central Europe achieves $60,700 per day for May (27% fixed)—Aframax holds firm, eyeing new cargoes.

Broader Forces

U.S. port fee exemptions benefit sub-80,000 dwt Aframax vessels, and tariff exemptions for energy minimize disruptions. Houthi ceasefire talks may reduce Red Sea rerouting, but short-haul volumes could offset losses. U.S. and UK sanctions (e.g., 100 shadow fleet tankers) deter operators, while Red Sea disruptions boost tonne-miles. Clarksons’ 2026 forecast (2.4% crude fleet growth, 0.5% demand) signals rate pressure, but Johan Castberg’s 220,000 bpd by Q2 and U.S.-India crude flows (470,000 bpd) offer upside—Aframax navigates with cautious confidence.

Britain Friday sanctioned 100 Russian shadow fleet oil tankers oil tankers that carried more than $24 billion in cargo since the beginning of 2024.

⏸️ Clean Market: Mixed Performance

Rate Divergence

Clean tanker markets reflect regional splits. LR2 rates weaken, with TC1 (75kt MEG/Japan) dipping from WS123.33 to WS110.56 and TC20 (90kt MEG/UK-Continent) losing $231,250 to $3.25 million. LR1 rates stabilize, with TC5 (55kt MEG/Japan) holding at low WS130s and TC8 (65kt MEG/UK-Continent) at $2.7 million, but UK-Continent TC16 (60kt ARA/West Africa) falls 7.5 points to WS120. MR rates soften slightly, with TC17 (35kt MEG/East Africa) at WS210, TC2 (37kt ARA/U.S. Atlantic) down 6.88 points to WS126.56 ($12,044 per day), and TC19 (37kt ARA/West Africa) at WS146.88. Handymax weakens, with TC6 (30kt Cross-Mediterranean) at WS130.28 and TC23 (30kt Cross-UK-Continent) down 13.61 points to WS133.33—Clean markets navigate uneven currents.

Trade Patterns

MEG LR2/LR1 markets soften due to weak enquiry, though Asian tonnage lists tighten. UK-Continent LR1s and MRs face cancellations, lengthening tonnage lists. U.S. Gulf MRs stabilize with late-week demand, but TC14 (38kt/UK-Continent) falls to WS111.07 and TC21 (38kt/Caribbean) drops to $535,714. A 50,000-dwt MR delivers Qatar’s GTL diesel (35,000 tonnes) to the U.S. Gulf, capitalizing on tightening diesel inventories (down 2.4 million barrels). Refinery margins climb post-OPEC+ news, supporting cargo flows after maintenance. Mediterranean and U.S. Gulf MR markets benefit from repositioning, but Handymax lags—Clean tankers seek balance.

Influencing Factors

U.S. port fees minimally impact MR/Handymax (sub-55,000 dwt), and Torm notes no tariff disruptions for clean products (energy exempt). Houthi ceasefire talks could normalize Red Sea routes, but Torm’s CEO sees neutral rate impacts due to short-haul volume growth. Clarksons forecasts 6.3% clean fleet growth in 2026 with flat demand, pressuring rates. Rising refinery margins and U.S. diesel demand boost MR, while Qatar’s GTL trade signals arbitrage. U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil and Chinese terminals risk disruptions—Clean markets balance opportunity with oversupply risks.

For illustrative purposes only

🌐 What’s Moving It: Oil Flows and Sanctions

Commodity Shifts

U.S. crude to India (470,000 bpd in June) and China’s 11 million bpd imports drive VLCC demand, though Iranian sanctions disrupt flows. Russian-Chinese crude blends to Venezuela (1.2 million barrels) and Kazakhstan’s CPC crude (240,000 bpd) support Suezmax/Aframax. Norway’s Johan Castberg (135,000 bpd) adds cargoes, while OPEC+’s June hike (411,000 bpd) lifts crude sentiment. Clean markets benefit from Qatar’s GTL diesel and rising refinery margins post-maintenance, supporting MR. Falling crude prices and tightening U.S. diesel inventories fuel clean trades—oil flows shape tanker dynamics.

Policy Pressures

U.S. sanctions target six tankers (four VLCCs, two Aframax) and Chinese terminals for Iranian oil, risking VLCC/Aframax availability. UK’s shadow fleet sanctions (100 tankers, $24 billion) and Houthi ceasefire talks could normalize Red Sea routes, reducing tonne-miles but boosting short-haul volumes. U.S.-China trade talks (May 11) and energy tariff exemptions create uncertainty. Clarksons’ 2026 forecast (2.4% crude, 6.3% clean fleet growth) signals rate pressure, but OPEC+ hikes and new fields (e.g., Johan Castberg) offer upside—sanctions and trade policies steer the tanker path.

🌐 Market and Stocks: Navigating Volatility

Stock Performance

Tanker stocks reflect resilience. International Seaways $INSW (-0.99%) reports $40 million adjusted net income ($0.80 per share), beating estimates, with VLCCs at $42,800 per day (Q2 guidance). DHT Holdings $DHT (+1.32%) achieves $48,700 per day spot rates (72% booked), up 34% from Q1, with $0.15 per share dividend. BP $BP. (-2.01%) sells six 46,000-dwt MRs for $192 million, possibly to Tsakos Group $TNP (-0.74%) (nine Suezmax newbuildings, $1.34 billion). Scorpio Tankers $STNG (-1.66%) and Hafnia $HAFNI (-1.52%) are Fearnley’s top picks for MR/LR2 strength. Clarksons notes tanker earnings at $35,000 per day (45% above 10-year average)—stocks balance geopolitical risks with demand growth.

Investor Insights

VLCCs may rebound with OPEC+ hikes and rising inventories, but sanctions pose risks. Suezmax and Aframax rely on Kazakhstan and Norwegian crude, though Atlantic oversupply caps gains. Clean markets face 2026 headwinds (6.3% fleet growth), but MR benefits from U.S. diesel demand and GTL trades. Seaways’ $INSW (-0.99%) VLCC buyback ($250 million refinancing) and Torm’s $TRMD A (-1.16%) neutral Red Sea outlook signal confidence. Low crude fleet growth (2.4%) and sanctions risks shape strategies—investors weigh trade disruptions against supply constraints.

Sector Outlook

Sanctions, Houthi ceasefire talks, and Red Sea dynamics pressure rates, but OPEC+ hikes and new fields drive demand. Clarksons’ 2026 forecast (crude steady, clean easing) highlights clean oversupply risks. MR and Handymax benefit from clean fuel trades, while Suezmax and Aframax rely on CPC and Johan Castberg flows. Stocks like Seaways $INSW (-0.99%) (strong liquidity, $673 million) and DHT $DHT (+1.32%) (undervalued) offer value if demand holds—investors balance short-term volatility with long-term fundamentals.

🌐 Outlook: Charting Future Waves

Market Projections

VLCC ranges $41,000-$50,000 per day—OPEC+ hikes offer upside—cautious. Suezmax at $36,000-$44,500—Atlantic weakness persists—challenged. Aframax at $29,000-$43,500—resilience holds, but oversupply looms—steady. Clean varies: LR2/LR1 at $23,400-$28,800 (softening), MR at $12,000-$20,900 (stabilizing), Handymax at $10,000-$13,000 (pressured)—mixed. Red Sea normalization and sanctions signal volatility—2026 could soften with fleet growth.

Strategic Horizons

VLCCs leverage OPEC+ and U.S.-India flows, but Suezmax needs Atlantic demand. Aframax’s repositioning ensures stability, while MR capitalizes on clean fuel arbitrage. Handymax risks stagnation without new cargoes. Sanctions, 2026 fleet growth (6.3% clean), and trade talks challenge margins, but low crude fleet growth (2.4%) and new fields offer upside. Investors must navigate sanctions and geopolitical shifts while betting on supply constraints—strategic moves will define tanker fortunes.

Your Call

Will VLCCs rebound with OPEC+ hikes, or can MR’s clean fuel trades lead the way? Share your take—let’s conquer the markets! 🚢

1 Year T/C - VLCC SUEZMAX AFRAMAX ECO / SCRUBBER - May 7th

$NAT (+0.48%)

$FRO (-1.27%)

$TRMD A (-1.16%)

$STNG (-1.66%)

$OET (-5.03%)

$HAFNI (-1.52%)

$DHT (+1.32%)

$TNK (+0.49%)

$ASC (-0.82%)

$INSW (-0.99%)

*The Worldscale (WS) rate is a system used to calculate tanker freight rates, where WS 100 represents a standard base rate for a specific route. Rates above or below this benchmark indicate how much more or less a charterer will pay relative to the base cost. A higher WS rate means better earnings for shipowners, while a lower WS rate means lower transportation costs for charterers.

Early May 2025 sees the tanker market at a crossroads. Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) capitalize on China’s strategic oil stockpiling, Suezmax softens amid West African demand dips, Aframax maintains resilience, and Clean markets show mixed fortunes with LR2/LR1 weakening and MR recovering. U.S. tariffs, Houthi sanctions, and Kazakhstan’s crude surge shape the horizon, while new Norwegian fields and rerouted clean fuels offer opportunities. This sector is a tanker navigating global currents—let’s explore its journey.

⏬ VLCC Market: Buoyant on Chinese Demand

Rate Fluctuations

VLCCs, the giants of crude transport, ride a wave of Chinese demand but face tariff headwinds. The Baltic Exchange’s TD3C (270,000 mt Middle East Gulf-to-China) rate drops 5.5 points to WS67, yielding a round-trip time-charter equivalent (TCE) of $51,134 per day. West Africa-to-China (TD15) eases 2.5 points to WS67.13 ($51,690 per day), while U.S. Gulf-to-China (TD22) rises by $411,358, achieving a TCE of $51,054 per day. Clarksons’ fleet-weighted average hits $59,700 per day, up 9% week-on-week, despite a quiet Middle East Gulf (MEG) market post-rally (mid WS70s for MEG/East). Charterers hold back on second-decade MEG fixtures, creating uncertainty—VLCCs remain robust but cautious.

Cargo Dynamics

China’s crude imports surge to 11 million barrels per day in April, the highest since August 2023, driven by strategic stockpiling amid low crude stockpiles (six-year low) and easing Brent prices ($70 in early March). Imports from Iran (1.71 million bpd) and Russia rise, though U.S. crude faces tariff risks (125% on WTI Midland). Two VLCCs (319,000-dwt each) divert from China to Singapore and Malaysia, while a 319,000-dwt vessel discharges 1.99 million barrels in Ningbo, possibly under tariff exemptions. Middle East and West African cargoes slow for third-decade fixtures (8 million barrels covered), but OPEC’s May production boost supports sentiment. Venezuela’s “zombie” VLCCs (e.g., 320,000-dwt ship spoofing as a scrapped vessel) add risk—China’s demand drives VLCC strength, tempered by trade uncertainties.

Global Forces

U.S.-China tariffs (affecting 0.4% of seaborne oil trade) and potential exemptions (e.g., for crude) create volatility, with five VLCCs fixed for May U.S.-China voyages at risk of diversion. Houthi sanctions blacklist vessels delivering to Yemen’s Ras Isa port, impacting VLCC counts. Red Sea rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope persists, boosting tonne-miles. China’s refinery maintenance (April-May) typically curbs demand, but strategic buying defies trends. Low fleet growth (2.4% in 2026) and OPEC’s potential June output hike signal upside, though trade tensions and sanctions cloud the outlook—VLCCs sail with guarded optimism.

For illustrative purposes

⏳ Suezmax Market: Atlantic Softness

Rate Declines

Suezmax vessels, key for West African and Black Sea crude, face softening rates. The Baltic’s TD20 (130,000 mt Nigeria-to-UK Continent) falls 10 points to WS109.17, yielding a TCE of $50,178 per day. Guyana-to-UK Continent (TD27) drops 9 points to WS107.5 ($48,939 per day), while CPC-to-Augusta (TD6) loses 4 points to WS131.55 ($63,500 per day). Middle East-to-Mediterranean (TD23) holds steady at WS91. Rates hit a 2025 high of $56,540 per day in early April, but West African demand tails off, eroding gains—Suezmax navigates a challenging Atlantic market.

Regional Trends

West Africa sees reduced enquiry, with only 20 suitable Suezmax vessels available for third-decade fixtures, signaling further softening below WS110. U.S. Gulf crude struggles eastbound, boosting transatlantic activity (WS95), but local tonnage erodes. China’s resumption of Kazakhstan CPC crude imports (240,000 bpd in April) via Novorossiysk supports TD6 stability, with nine cargoes fixed for May-June. Norwegian Johan Castberg field (135,000 bpd in May) adds demand, with a 158,000-dwt vessel loading 700,000-barrel stems. Black Sea and Mediterranean markets benefit from CPC flows, but Atlantic oversupply persists—Suezmax relies on new trade lanes.

External Pressures

U.S. port fees exempt sub-80,000 dwt vessels, sparing smaller Suezmax units, but tariffs on Venezuelan oil and Houthi sanctions increase risks. Red Sea disruptions extend voyage times, supporting TCEs. Kazakhstan’s 1.7 million bpd output sustains CPC exports, though OPEC+ cuts (down 160,000 bpd in April) temper volumes. China’s property crisis and renewable energy push may curb oil demand, per Clarksons, but Johan Castberg’s light crude offers European refiners an alternative. Low fleet growth (2.4% in 2026) and geopolitical risks (e.g., Russia-Ukraine ceasefire) shape prospects—Suezmax seeks balance amid Atlantic weakness.

For illustrative purposes

⏱️ Aframax Market: Resilient Amid Pressure

Rate Stability

Aframax vessels, versatile crude carriers, hold steady despite softening trends. The Baltic’s TD7 (80,000 mt Cross-UK Continent) slips 4 points to WS135 ($49,100 per day, Hound Point-to-Wilhelmshaven). Cross-Mediterranean (TD19) drops 4 points to WS176.61 ($54,700 per day, Ceyhan-to-Lavera). Atlantic routes weaken, with East Coast Mexico/U.S. Gulf (TD26) and Covenas/U.S. Gulf (TD9) falling 10 points to WS178-177 ($46,500 and $43,800 per day). U.S. Gulf-to-UK Continent (TD25) slides 3.5 points to WS170 ($44,517 per day). Signal Group’s pool reports $60,700 per day for May (27% fixed), reflecting strategic repositioning—Aframax remains resilient but faces downward pressure.

Market Dynamics

North Sea rates stabilize despite limited activity, with second-decade stems busier but growing tonnage lists threatening softness. Mediterranean markets soften as Libyan and Ceyhan dates advance, with North Sea competition adding pressure. U.S. Gulf sees no Aframax spillover from Suezmax, and Nigerian crude struggles limit enquiry. Signal Group’s repositioning to U.S. Gulf and Central Europe (from U.S. West Coast and Lithuania) captures market strength, achieving $43,600 per day in April (98% fixed). Kazakhstan CPC crude and Johan Castberg cargoes support rates, but Mediterranean tonnage balance weakens—Aframax holds firm, eyeing new opportunities.

Broader Forces

U.S. port fee exemptions benefit sub-80,000 dwt Aframax vessels, and Scorpio Tankers notes minimal impact from China-targeted fees due to fleet structure (South Korean-built, sub-55,000 dwt). Houthi sanctions and Venezuelan tariff risks deter operators, while Red Sea rerouting boosts tonne-miles. Clarksons forecasts 2.4% crude fleet growth in 2026, outpacing 0.5% demand, signaling rate pressure. Kazakhstan’s CPC surge and Norway’s Johan Castberg (220,000 bpd by Q2) provide upside, but trade tensions and oversupply loom—Aframax navigates with cautious confidence.

An F/A-18E Super Hornet prepares to launch off the USS Harry S. Truman - For illustrative purposes

⏸️ Clean Market: Mixed Fortunes

Rate Divergence

Clean tanker markets show varied performance. LR2 rates dip, with TC1 (75kt MEG/Japan) falling 2 points to WS124.44 and TC20 (90kt MEG/UK-Continent) dropping $85,000 to $3.5 million. LR1 rates sink further, with TC5 (55kt MEG/Japan) losing 13 points to WS134.06 and TC8 (65kt MEG/UK-Continent) falling to $2.714 million. MR markets recover, with TC17 (35kt MEG/East Africa) up 2 points to WS213.21 ($21,800 per day) and U.S. Gulf TC14 (38kt/UK-Continent) gaining 13 points to WS122.5. Handymax struggles, with TC6 (Baltic) dropping 32.5 points to WS136.94 and TC23 (30kt Cross-UK-Continent) falling 20 points to WS151.67—Clean markets reflect regional splits.

Trade Patterns

MEG LR2/LR1 rates weaken as demand softens, while UK-Continent LR1s hold at WS130 ($24,000 per day). MR markets rebound, driven by U.S. Gulf strength (TC18 up 9 points to WS166.79) and Caribbean runs (TC21 up $77,000 to $589,286). Handymax faces pressure from oversupply and weak Baltic/UK-Continent demand. A 50,000-dwt MR delivers 35,000 tonnes of Qatar’s GTL diesel to the U.S. Gulf, capitalizing on tightening diesel inventories (down 2.4 million barrels). Mediterranean and U.S. Gulf MR markets benefit from repositioning, but Handymax lags—Clean tankers navigate a fragmented landscape.

Influencing Factors

U.S. port fees minimally impact MR and Handymax (sub-55,000 dwt), but LR2 faces risks, though Scorpio notes limited U.S. exposure. Red Sea disruptions support clean tonne-miles, but Clarksons forecasts 6.3% clean fleet growth in 2026 with flat demand, pressuring rates. Qatar’s GTL shipment signals new arbitrage, while China’s potential tariff exemptions (e.g., for chemicals) could boost clean trades. Houthi sanctions and Venezuelan risks deter operators, but U.S. diesel demand offers MR upside—Clean markets balance opportunity with oversupply risks.

The Torm Belis - For illustrative purposes

🌐 What’s Moving It: Oil Flows and Trade Policies

Commodity Shifts

China’s 11 million bpd crude imports (April) drive VLCC demand, fueled by Iranian (1.71 million bpd) and Russian cargoes, though U.S. crude faces tariff hurdles. Kazakhstan’s CPC crude (240,000 bpd) and Norway’s Johan Castberg (135,000 bpd) boost Suezmax and Aframax. Venezuelan “zombie” tankers (e.g., spoofing scrapped VLCCs) sustain illicit flows. Clean markets see GTL diesel from Qatar to the U.S. (35,000 tonnes) and tightening U.S. diesel inventories, supporting MR. OPEC’s May output hike and potential June increase lift crude sentiment, but China’s refinery maintenance curbs upside—oil flows shape tanker dynamics.

Trade and Policy Pressures

U.S.-China tariffs (0.4% of oil trade) and potential exemptions (e.g., for crude, chemicals) create uncertainty, diverting VLCCs to Singapore/Malaysia. Houthi sanctions blacklist vessels at Yemen’s Ras Isa, impacting crude and clean trades. U.S. port fees exempt sub-55,000 dwt tankers, sparing MR/Handymax, but Venezuelan tariffs and Red Sea rerouting increase costs. Geopolitical risks (e.g., Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, Trump’s policies) and Clarksons’ 2026 forecast (2.4% crude, 6.3% clean fleet growth) signal rate pressure. Kazakhstan’s CPC surge and Qatar’s GTL trade offer opportunities—trade policies steer the tanker path.

🌐 Market and Stocks: Balancing Volatility

Stock Performance

Tanker stocks navigate trade uncertainties. Scorpio Tankers $STNG (-1.66%) reports strong Q1 earnings, beating expectations, with a $397 million cash balance and 10% loan-to-value ratio. Its MR/Handymax fleet (sub-55,000 dwt) avoids U.S. port fee impacts, and LR2s face minimal U.S. exposure. BP $BP. (-2.01%) sells six 46,000-dwt MRs for $192 million ($32 million each), possibly to Tsakos Group $TNP (-0.74%) , which secures nine Suezmax newbuildings ($1.34 billion). Scorpio’s 115,000-dwt LR2 earns $32,000 per day (two-year charter), and its 38,700-dwt Handysize fetches $24,000 per day. Clarksons notes tanker earnings at $35,000 per day (45% above 10-year average)—stocks reflect resilience amid risks.

Investor Insights

VLCC rates may soften if MEG fixtures remain quiet, but China’s stockpiling and OPEC output support sentiment. Suezmax and Aframax benefit from Kazakhstan and Norwegian crude, though Atlantic oversupply caps gains. Clean markets face 2026 headwinds (6.3% fleet growth), but MR strength (e.g., U.S. diesel demand) offers upside. Scorpio’s conservative capital allocation (minimal buybacks, $339 million in 2024) reflects geopolitical caution, while Tsakos’ fleet expansion signals long-term optimism. Low crude fleet growth (2.4%) and sanctions risks shape strategies—investors weigh trade volatility against supply constraints.

Sector Outlook

U.S. tariffs, Houthi sanctions, and Red Sea rerouting pressure rates, but China’s crude imports and new fields (e.g., Johan Castberg) drive demand. Clarksons’ 2026 forecast (crude earnings steady, clean easing) highlights oversupply risks, particularly for LR2/LR1. MR and Handymax benefit from U.S. diesel and GTL trades, while Suezmax and Aframax rely on CPC and Norwegian flows. Stocks like Scorpio (trading below net asset value) and Tsakos (expanding fleet) offer value if demand holds—investors balance short-term risks with long-term fundamentals.

🌐 Outlook: Charting Future Currents

Market Projections

VLCC ranges $50,000-$60,000 per day—China’s demand sustains strength—buoyant. Suezmax at $48,000-$63,000—Atlantic softness limits upside—cautious. Aframax at $43,000-$54,000—resilience persists, but oversupply looms—steady. Clean varies: LR2/LR1 at $15,000-$24,000 (weakening), MR at $15,000-$22,000 (recovering), Handymax at $10,000-$15,000 (pressured)—mixed. Red Sea rerouting and new trades signal volatility—2026 could soften if fleet growth outpaces demand.

Strategic Horizons

VLCCs thrive on Chinese and OPEC flows, but Suezmax needs stronger Atlantic demand. Aframax’s repositioning (e.g., Signal’s U.S. Gulf focus) ensures stability, while MR capitalizes on clean fuel arbitrage. Handymax risks stagnation without new cargoes. Tariffs, sanctions, and 2026 fleet growth (6.3% clean) challenge margins, but low crude fleet growth (2.4%) and new fields offer upside. Investors must navigate geopolitical uncertainties while betting on supply constraints—strategic moves will define tanker fortunes.

Your Call

Will VLCCs lead with Chinese demand, or can MR’s clean fuel surge steal the spotlight? Share your take—let’s master the markets! 🚢

1 Year T/C - VLCC SUEZMAX AFRAMAX ECO / SCRUBBER - April 30th

$NAT (+0.48%)

$FRO (-1.27%)

$TRMD A (-1.16%)

$STNG (-1.66%)

$OET (-5.03%)

$HAFNI (-1.52%)

$DHT (+1.32%)

$TNK (+0.49%)

$ASC (-0.82%)

$INSW (-0.99%)

*The Worldscale (WS) rate is a system used to calculate tanker freight rates, where WS 100 represents a standard base rate for a specific route. Rates above or below this benchmark indicate how much more or less a charterer will pay relative to the base cost. A higher WS rate means better earnings for shipowners, while a lower WS rate means lower transportation costs for charterers.

Emendo : This is a repost due to a getquin bug blockign me to correct the OG post

Late April 2025 finds the tanker market riding a crest of opportunity. VLCCs capitalize on OPEC+ production boosts, Suezmax contends with Atlantic uncertainties, Aframax leverages tight regional tonnage, and clean tankers pioneer new trade lanes. U.S. port fees ease, Venezuelan exports stumble, and sanctions reshape shadow fleets. This sector is a ship charging through global storms with bold resolve—let’s map its journey.

⏬ VLCC Market: Harnessing OPEC+ Power

Rate Surge

VLCCs, the behemoths of crude transport, are powering forward with vigor. Baltic Exchange Middle East-to-Asia rates soar to $57,400 per day, a 27% week-on-week leap, with eco-designed vessels reaching $57,800. Jefferies reports earnings at $55,700 daily, driven by a WS 70.93 rate for 270,000 mt Middle East-to-China (TD3C), yielding a $55,010 round-trip TCE. West Africa-to-China (TD15) climbs to WS 68.41 ($52,418 TCE), while U.S. Gulf-to-China (TD22) hits $8.35 million ($45,941 TCE). Taiwan’s CPC Corp secures Wirana’s Hansika at $79,503 daily for early May cargoes, reflecting intense demand as charterers scramble for tonnage.

Cargo Catalysts

OPEC+’s accelerated 411,000 barrel-per-day production increase (from a planned 2.2 million over 18 months) and Saudi Arabia’s 200,000 barrel-per-day boost ignite Middle East activity. Novisea attributes a 34% rate spike to pre-Easter cargo surges and U.S. sanctions on Iranian VLCCs (e.g., Bestla, Egret), which sideline shadow fleets and tighten compliant tonnage. China’s pivot to Saudi crude (replacing 135,000 barrel-per-day U.S. imports) and Nigeria’s potential U.S. crude imports (to offset trade imbalances) extend voyage distances. Clarksons notes 90% fleet utilization (up from 83% six months ago), signaling a market stretched thin—VLCCs thrive on this cargo boom.

Global Forces

U.S.-China tariff talks (potentially dropping to 50-65% from 145%) spark optimism, while U.S. port fees ($18-$33 per net tonne by 2028) soften with exemptions for ballast vessels and tankers under 55,000 dwt. Reuters reports OPEC+ members pushing for further production hikes, which Jefferies says could drive counter-cyclical strength into summer. U.S.-Iran negotiations and Houthi tensions add volatility, but a historically low orderbook (3% fleet growth) and aging vessels (10% over 20 years) ensure rate swings. Novisea sees geopolitical risks pushing rates past $50,000 short-term—VLCCs sail with bullish momentum, poised for further gains.

Frontline-owned VLCC Front Prince - For illustrative purposes

⏳ Suezmax Market: Braving Atlantic Volatility

Earnings Snapshot

Suezmax tankers, the versatile mid-tier carriers, maintain robust earnings but face looming challenges. Baltic Exchange TCE earnings hit $60,400 per day, up 1.7% weekly, with West Africa-to-UK Continent (TD20) at WS 120.28 ($57,338 TCE). Guyana-to-UK Continent (TD27) reaches WS 115.28 ($54,152 TCE), and CPC-to-Mediterranean (TD6) holds steady at WS 135 ($67,939 TCE). Middle East-to-Mediterranean (TD23) stabilizes at WS 91—buoyant rates reflect strong European and West African demand, yet Fearnleys warns of headwinds as VLCCs encroach and U.S. markets weaken.

Regional Risks

May’s first decade clears 32-33 million barrels, but VLCCs erode the second, with six Suezmax stems already booked. U.S. Gulf’s softer Aframax rates ($46,507 TCE for TD25) discourage transatlantic ballasting, while Mediterranean earnings slip as East Mediterranean tonnage emerges and Bosphorus Strait delays ease. West Africa’s tonnage list thins (five firm options to May 10, 20 more by weekend), but charterers’ cautious bidding—some receiving zero offers—suggests a potential pause if owners’ TD20 ambitions soar too high. Fearnleys notes futures declining to WS 69.85 for August, hinting at cooling sentiment—Suezmax holds firm but braces for turbulence.

External Influences

Venezuela’s suspension of Chevron’s $CVX (-0.15%) 200,000 barrel-per-day U.S. exports floods the Atlantic with Suezmax and Aframax tonnage, though redirected ships find work in Brazilian or Nigerian trades. U.S. port fee exemptions for short-haul voyages (under 2,000 nautical miles) protect regional routes, but Chinese-owned tankers face steep levies (up to $140 per net tonne by 2028). OPEC+’s output surge sustains cargo volumes, yet Braemar warns that Atlantic supply buildup could empower charterers—Suezmax navigates with resilience, eyeing stability.

⏱️ Aframax Market: Capitalizing on Scarcity

Rate Highlights

Aframax tankers, the nimble crude haulers, shine amid regional scarcity. Mediterranean Cross-Med (TD19) dips to WS 181.11 ($61,100 TCE basis Ceyhan-to-Lavera), but North Sea Cross-UK (TD7) rises to WS 140 ($55,065 TCE basis Hound Point-to-Wilhelmshaven). Across the Atlantic, U.S. Gulf-to-UK (TD25) falls to WS 176.39 ($46,507 TCE), while Mexico-to-U.S. Gulf (TD26) and Covenas-to-U.S. Gulf (TD9) drop to WS 193 ($52,500 TCE) and WS 190 ($48,100 TCE). A pre-Easter rush clears April, with May stems tightening as ballast options shrink—scarcity fuels Aframax’s fiery ascent.

Tonnage Dynamics

Venezuela’s PDVSA halts Chevron loadings (e.g., Sea Dragon, Andromeda), redirecting Aframaxes to spot markets like Aruba or the U.S. Gulf. Kpler reports Carina Voyager unloading 511,000 barrels after idling, while Dubai Attraction awaits clearance for 340,000 barrels. Mediterranean softness emerges with early May tonnage returning, yet CPC holds at WS 205. Charterers face limited options—owners’ competitive fixing sustains elevated rates. Nigerian U.S. crude imports (135,000 barrels per day in March) and Brazil-to-China trades ($18.74 per tonne) absorb excess tonnage—scarcity drives this market’s strength.

Broader Catalysts

U.S. sanctions on Jugwinder Brar’s 27-tanker fleet (e.g., Global Genesis) and Iranian oil facilitators (e.g., B and P Solutions) curb shadow fleet capacity, boosting mainstream Aframax demand. Braemar calculates only 3% of 2024 tanker voyages would face U.S. port fees, with exemptions for non-Chinese owners easing concerns. China’s shift to Saudi crude and Nigeria’s Dangote refinery eyeing U.S. barrels stretch tonne-miles—sanctions and regional demand propel Aframax’s upward trajectory.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2022 - For illustrative purposes

⏸️ LR/MR/Handymax Market: Pioneering New Trades

Rate Rundown

Clean tankers sail a varied course. LR2 Middle East-to-Japan (TC1) rises to WS 126.67, holding at $3.5 million for MEG-to-UK (TC20). LR1 MEG-to-Japan (TC5) surges to WS 149.88, with MEG-to-UK (TC8) at $2.84 million. MR Middle East-to-East Africa (TC17) climbs to WS 211.43 ($20,000 TCE), but UK-Continent MRs falter—TC2 (ARA-to-U.S.) drops to WS 147.5 ($16,231 TCE), TC19 (ARA-to-West Africa) to WS 167.5. Handymax Mediterranean (TC6) slips to WS 169.72, while UK-Continent (TC23) hits WS 170—Eastern trades lead, Western routes lag.

Innovative Flows

Emerging trade lanes spark excitement. Nigeria’s Dangote refinery explores U.S. crude imports to free local barrels for China, lifting LR and MR demand. China’s pivot to Saudi crude (replacing U.S. imports) bolsters LR1 and LR2 hauls from the Middle East. U.S. Gulf MRs weaken (TC14 at WS 107.56, TC18 at WS 155), but late-week TC2 fixtures at higher levels signal a rebound. Norden’s carbon-negative biofuel trial (65 tonnes on Nord Power) tests decarbonization, though scalability remains distant. Handymax struggles with Mediterranean softness, but Eastern MRs thrive on tight tonnage—new routes define this market’s dynamism.

Influencing Factors

U.S. port fees target Chinese-owned tankers, prompting Braemar to predict MR sales by Chinese lessors—exemptions for sub-55,000 dwt vessels shield most clean tankers. Clarksons notes 9% of 2024 U.S. port calls would face fees, with flexibility for vessel redeployment mitigating costs. Sanctions on Iranian shadow fleets (e.g., Glory International’s MRs) and tariff relief (50-65% rates) tighten compliant tonnage. OPEC+’s output hikes support clean product flows—clean tankers pivot to capitalize on Eastern vigor and innovative trades.

President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President of China Xi Jinping - For illustrative purposes

🌐 What’s Moving It: Oil Flows and Policy Shifts

Oil and Cargo Dynamics

OPEC+’s 411,000 barrel-per-day output surge and Saudi Arabia’s 200,000 barrel increase drive VLCC and Suezmax cargoes, with Saudi Aramco targeting China’s market share. Nigeria’s 135,000 barrel-per-day U.S. crude imports and China’s shift to Saudi crude reshape global flows, while Venezuela’s 200,000 barrel-per-day U.S. export halt floods Atlantic markets. Sanctions on Iranian (27 tankers) and Venezuelan flows curb shadow fleets, boosting mainstream demand. BRS Shipbrokers sees Nigerian barrels replacing U.S. crude in China, favoring VLCCs over Suezmax—oil flows steer this market’s course.

Global Policy and Geopolitics

U.S.-China tariff negotiations (50-65% vs. 145%) and diluted port fees (3% of tanker voyages affected) lift market sentiment, with exemptions for ballast and sub-55,000 dwt vessels. U.S. sanctions on Jugwinder Brar’s fleet and Iranian facilitators (e.g., B and P Solutions) tighten tonnage, while U.S.-Iran talks and Houthi tensions add volatility. Braemar notes Chinese yards may lower prices (Suezmax slots at $51 million during COVID), enticing orders despite fees. Rerouting to Nigeria and Asia supports tankers—policy shifts and geopolitical risks shape the horizon.

🌐 Market and Stocks: Seizing the Rally

Stock Momentum

Shipping stocks surge 1.8% on tariff relief hopes, per the Dow Jones US Marine Transportation Index, with the SonicShares Global Shipping ETF $BOAT up 2.5%. Frontline $FRO (+2.95%) leaps 5.1% to $15.74, Himalaya Shipping $HSHP (+2.06%) tops at 7.7% ($4.90), and Golden Ocean $GOGL (+0.86%) gains 7.5% ($7.57). Tanker stocks align with broader gains, but Clarksons notes crude tanker valuations at 73% of NAV, implying VLCC rates below $40,000—undervalued given $57,400 daily earnings. Suezmax ($60,400 TCE) and Aframax ($61,100 TCE) strength fuels investor confidence.

Investor Perspectives

Jefferies forecasts VLCC rates surpassing $50,000 short-term, with OPEC+ hikes and sanctions driving 90% fleet utilization. Braemar predicts Chinese MR sales as fees target Chinese owners, but non-Chinese operators face minimal impact (9% of 2024 U.S. port calls affected). Fearnley Securities views tankers as insulated, with rerouting to Nigeria and Asia boosting yields. Clarksons sees $12-18 billion in annual fees by 2026-2028, but vessel redeployment mitigates costs—investors spot value in tankers’ resilience amid global shifts.

Sector Outlook

Eased port fees and tariff relief signal recovery, but Chinese retaliation (e.g., fees on U.S. ships) looms. Low orderbooks (3% growth) and aging fleets (10% over 20 years) foreshadow 2026 tightness. Stocks lag fundamentals, poised for gains if OPEC+ sustains output and sanctions persist. Tankers gleam as undervalued bets, with rerouting and tight tonnage promising upside—investors weigh near-term volatility against long-term potential.

attachment

For illustrative purposes

🌐 Outlook: Charting Future Tides

Market Projections

VLCCs range $55,000-$80,000 daily—OPEC+ hikes and sanctions fuel momentum—bullish. Suezmax at $54,000-$68,000—Atlantic volatility tempers gains—steady. Aframax at $46,000-$61,000—scarcity sustains strength—robust. Clean tankers diverge: LR1/LR2 at $20,000-$24,000, MR at $16,000-$20,000—East leads, West softens—mixed. Rerouting to Nigeria and Asia, coupled with tight tonnage, promises volatility—2026 looms as a peak if trade stabilizes.

Strategic Considerations

Tankers face a pivotal moment. VLCCs could dominate if OPEC+ accelerates output, but Suezmax risks softening if Atlantic supply builds. Aframax’s regional scarcity offers stability, while clean tankers’ new trades signal adaptability. Geopolitical risks—U.S.-Iran talks, Chinese retaliation—could spike rates, but decarbonization (e.g., Norden’s biofuel) hints at long-term shifts. Investors must balance tariff relief against sanction-driven tightness—strategic positioning will define winners.

Your Call

Will VLCCs lead the rally, or clean tankers’ new trades steal the spotlight? Share your take—let’s navigate the markets! 🚢

1 Year T/C - VLCC SUEZMAX AFRAMAX ECO / SCRUBBER - April 23th

$NAT (+0.48%)

$FRO (-1.27%)

$TRMD A (-1.16%)

$STNG (-1.66%)

$OET (-5.03%)

$HAFNI (-1.52%)

$DHT (+1.32%)

$TNK (+0.49%)

$ASC (-0.82%)

$INSW (-0.99%)

*The Worldscale (WS) rate is a system used to calculate tanker freight rates, where WS 100 represents a standard base rate for a specific route. Rates above or below this benchmark indicate how much more or less a charterer will pay relative to the base cost. A higher WS rate means better earnings for shipowners, while a lower WS rate means lower transportation costs for charterers.

Mid-April 2025 finds the tanker market navigating turbulent waters. VLCCs grapple with softer forecasts amid trade wars, Suezmax and Aframax ride high on Atlantic scarcity, and clean tankers seize new routes from Argentina to Mexico. Sanctions choke Venezuelan flows, U.S. port fees loom, and shadow fleets bend under pressure. This is a sector steering through chaos with resilience—let’s dive into its journey.

⏬ VLCC Market: Holding the Line

Earnings Snapshot

The VLCC fleet, crude’s colossal carriers, faces headwinds as global demand forecasts falter. Baltic Exchange spot rates from Middle East-to-Asia hover at $36,500 per day, with Clarksons Securities slashing 2025-2026 projections to $50,000 per day (down from $70,000), citing trade war impacts. Eco-ships are projected to earn $53,000 daily, older units $46,000. DHT Holdings $DHT (+1.32%) reports Q2 spot bookings at $48,700 per day (56% covered) and time-charter earnings at $45,100. A seven-year charter for DHT Appaloosa at $41,000 daily (plus profit-sharing) signals long-term faith, though tariff jitters keep sentiment cautious.

Supply and Demand Shifts

OPEC+’s output hike and Venezuela’s halted U.S. exports reshape flows. Venezuela’s 250,000 barrels per day to China (four VLCCs monthly) may lean on shadow fleets or transshipment hubs like Malaysia, per Braemar, limiting mainstream gains. However, Pakistan’s proposed 16 million barrel U.S. crude imports (eight VLCCs) and China’s 7.3 million barrel Canadian surge via Trans Mountain Pipeline offer long-haul promise. U.S. sanctions sideline Iranian shadow VLCCs (e.g., Bestla, Egret), potentially freeing 13 compliant ships for 500,000 barrels daily—Clarksons sees rates struggling below $45,000 without this shift.

Broader Impacts

The IEA’s 33% cut in 2025 oil demand growth (to 730,000 barrels per day) and OPEC’s 1.3 million barrel forecast dent confidence, with Brent crude at $61.57 per barrel pressuring shale output by 2026. U.S.-China tariffs (145% vs. 10% globally) and U.S. port fees ($18-$33 per net tonne by 2028) spark caution, though exemptions for ballast vessels ease fears. DHT’s sale of Chinese-built VLCCs Lotus and Peony for $103 million reflects strategic pivots—VLCCs hold steady, eyeing tighter fundamentals.

⏳ Suezmax Market: Atlantic Surge

Rate Climb

Suezmax tankers, mid-tier powerhouses, soar on Atlantic scarcity. Spot earnings top $50,000 per day, with Braemar noting firm markets as Venezuela’s export halt (200,000 barrels per day to the U.S.) floods the basin with available ships. Czechia’s shift to Transalpine Pipeline imports via Trieste (from Russian Druzhba) boosts Mediterranean demand for Norwegian and Azerbaijani crude. Rates for eco-Suezmax climb to $52,000 daily, up from $47,000 last week, driven by tight tonnage and rerouting.

Hot Zones

Venezuela’s suspension of Chevron’s $CVX (-0.15%) cargoes (e.g., Dubai Attraction, Carina Voyager) leaves eight Aframaxes monthly seeking Atlantic trades, indirectly tightening Suezmax lists. Turkey’s Tupras resumes Russian Urals at $57 per barrel, with Kyklades’ Nissos Christiana delivering 730,000 barrels to Izmit. Pakistan’s potential U.S. crude imports (16 Suezmaxes equivalent) add upside. Mediterranean fixtures rise as Czechia’s 175,000 barrel-per-day refineries tap TAL—scarcity fuels this fiery ascent.

Trade Twists

U.S. sanctions on Iranian tankers (e.g., Reston, Nyantara) and Chinese refiners like Shandong Shengxing curb shadow fleet capacity, nudging mainstream demand. China’s pivot to Canadian crude (7.3 million barrels in March) stretches Pacific hauls, while Venezuela’s pivot to Asia via transshipment hubs like Singapore tests compliance. Tariff pauses (90 days for Pakistan) offer breathing room, but geopolitical heat keeps Suezmax on edge—resilient yet alert.

⏱️ Aframax Market: Atlantic Thunder

Rate Highlights

Aframax tankers, agile crude haulers, roar with spot earnings exceeding $50,000 per day. U.S. Gulf-to-UK Continent rates hit WS195, yielding $54,000 daily, while Mediterranean rates climb to WS180, netting $62,000. Venezuela’s export freeze floods the Atlantic with tonnage, yet redirected ships find work in Brazil-to-China ($18.74 per tonne) and Trieste-bound Czech flows. Baltic TCE rises to $50,500 per day (up $1,200 daily), with eco-Aframax at $53,000—Atlantic vigor prevails.

Tonnage Trends

Venezuela’s halt (six Aframaxes idled, including Pegasus Star, Ionic Anax) creates a surplus, but Braemar expects quick redeployment to non-sanctioned trades like Guyana-to-Europe. George Economou’s sale of eight Aframaxes (e.g., Monarch I, Saraswati) to Chinese buyers for Russian trades tightens compliant tonnage—six ships lift Urals from Primorsk in March. U.S. port fees exempt vessels under 55,000 dwt, sparing smaller Aframaxes—lists tighten as demand holds.

Sanctions Strain

Russian Urals at $57 per barrel (below G7’s $60 cap) draw Greek owners like Stealth Maritime (Suez Enchanted) to Primorsk, with G7-insured tankers up 36% in March. U.S. sanctions blacklist 140 shadow ships, squeezing Russia’s fleet—mainstream Aframaxes fill the gap, hauling to India and China. Czechia’s TAL shift and Tupras’ Russian pivot add cargoes—sanctions reshape routes, but Aframax thrives on Atlantic strength.

For illustrative purposes

⏸️ LR/MR/Handymax Market: New Horizons

Rate Rundown

Clean tankers sail divergent paths. LR2 MEG-to-Japan drops to WS125, netting $30,000 daily, while LR1 MEG-to-UK Continent falls to $2.9 million. MR Pacific rates slide to $19,500 per day (down 15%), but Atlantic MRs hold at $22,000. Torm’s $TRMD A (-1.16%) MR Torm Singapore pioneers 300,000 barrels of ultra-low sulphur diesel from Mexico’s Dos Bocas refinery, and Tsakos’ $TNP (-0.74%) LR1 Chantal and Selecao lift 1.47 million barrels of Argentine fuel oil to the U.S. Handymax Med TC6 jumps to WS195, yielding $25,000 daily—West shines, East fades.

Market Moods

New trades spark optimism. Argentina’s fuel oil exports hit 66,000 barrels per day in March (up from 7,000), driven by arbitrage to Houston and Honolulu. The UK-to-Colombia petrol route (Energy Ariadne, 41,000 tonnes) reopens after a year, fueled by Europe’s 350,000 barrel-per-day surplus. Mexico’s Olmeca refinery curbs U.S. clean imports, yet Dos Bocas exports lift MR demand. Eastern LR rates sag, but Western MRs and Handymax surge on tight supply—split seas define this market.

Outside Forces

U.S. port fees (71% of tanker orderbooks Chinese-built) prompt sales like DHT’s VLCCs, but exemptions for small vessels shield MRs. Tufton $SHPC Assets sees tankers benefiting from tariff-driven rerouting—South America’s petrol deficit and Europe’s surplus stretch tonne-miles. Sanctions on Iranian and Venezuelan flows push shadow trades to Asia, capping clean tanker gains—Western markets lead, buoyed by new routes.

The Petroleos Mexicanos Dos Bocas Refinery in Paraiso, Mexico - For illustrative purposes

🌐 What’s Moving It: Oil and Geopolitics

Oil and Supply

IEA’s 730,000 barrel-per-day demand growth (down 300,000) and OPEC’s 1.3 million forecast signal softer oil needs, with Brent at $61.57. Venezuela’s 680,000 barrel-per-day exports pivot to China (250,000 barrels), Pakistan eyes 16 million U.S. barrels, and Czechia’s TAL shift adds Mediterranean cargoes. Sanctions sideline shadow fleets (140 Russian, five Iranian tankers), lifting mainstream utilization—oil flows steer this market’s course.

Global Dynamics

U.S.-China tariffs (145%) and Venezuelan sanctions (25% on buyers) disrupt flows, though 90-day pauses offer relief. U.S. port fees ($18-$33 per net tonne) and Houthi strikes in Yemen add tension, but tankers outpace containers, per Tufton, via rerouting. George Economou’s ISAB refinery seeks new suppliers, signaling trade shifts—geopolitical storms test tanker resilience.

🌐 Market and Stocks: Value in the Vortex

Stock Swings

Tanker stocks rebound 13% week-on-week, per Clarksons, after a 13% tariff-driven drop. Frontline $FRO (-1.27%) jumps 20% to $15.50, DHT $DHT (+1.32%) rises to $10.71, but IEA’s demand cut trims gains—Frontline, DHT, and International Seaways $INSW (-0.99%) dip 2%. Tufton’s $SHPC Q1 profit falls to $8 million (from $11.76 million), with a -10.4% NAV return as asset values slide. Clean tanker stocks like Scorpio $STNG (-1.66%) (down 1%) and Torm $TRMD A (-1.16%) (down 2%) hold firmer.

Investor Angles

Clarksons sees tanker equities at 73% of NAV for crude (58% for clean), implying VLCC rates below $40,000—undervalued with upside. Suezmax and Aframax earnings above $50,000 draw buyers, per Seaborne’s Eva Tzima, with IMS’ $26.3 million LR2 purchase signaling confidence. Tufton eyes rerouting benefits, while sanctions on shadow fleets could tighten markets—investors see value, but tariff risks linger.

Sector Outlook

Scaled-back port fees and tariff pauses lift sentiment, but Chinese tariffs threaten costs. Aging fleets (12% over 20 years) and low orderbooks (3% growth) hint at 2026 tightness. Stocks lag fundamentals, ripe for gains if trade stabilizes—tankers gleam as undervalued bets in the chaos.

For illustrative purposes

🌐 Outlook: Shifting Currents

Fluid Futures

VLCCs hover at $36,000-$50,000 daily—sanctions and new trades offer lift—steady. Suezmax at $50,000-$55,000—Atlantic scarcity powers on—robust. Aframax at $50,000-$62,000—Atlantic thunders—strong. Clean tankers split: LR at $25,000-$30,000, MR at $19,000-$22,000—West rises, East wanes—mixed. Rerouting and sanctions shape upside—2026 beckons if stability holds.

Your Call

Will Suezmax keep soaring, or clean tankers steal the show? Share your take—let’s chart the seas! 🚢

$NAT (+0.48%)

$FRO (-1.27%)

$TRMD A (-1.16%)

$STNG (-1.66%)

$OET (-5.03%)

$HAFNI (-1.52%)

$DHT (+1.32%)

$TNK (+0.49%)

$ASC (-0.82%)

$INSW (-0.99%)

*The Worldscale (WS) rate is a system used to calculate tanker freight rates, where WS 100 represents a standard base rate for a specific route. Rates above or below this benchmark indicate how much more or less a charterer will pay relative to the base cost. A higher WS rate means better earnings for shipowners, while a lower WS rate means lower transportation costs for charterers.

Nothing seems to stop the recovery of the tanker stocks today after an unjustified sell-off last week !

$ASC (-0.82%)
$TNK (+0.49%)
$NAT (+0.48%)
$TRMD A (-1.16%)
$STNG (-1.66%)
$OET (-5.03%)
$HAFNI (-1.52%)
$INSW (-0.99%)
$FRO (-1.27%)
$DHT (+1.32%)

Mid-April 2025 casts the tanker market into a gripping saga of resilience and flux. VLCCs stand firm against oil price plunges, Suezmax and Aframax soar on scarce tonnage, and clean tankers weave between Eastern woes and Western grit. Sanctions tighten, tariffs loom, and shadow fleets slip through cracks. This is a tale of a sector thriving amid chaos—let’s set sail.

⏬ VLCC Market: Steadfast Giants

Earnings Snapshot

The VLCC fleet, those towering behemoths of crude, holds its ground as oil prices falter. Middle East Gulf-to-China rates linger at WS54.10, delivering $36,533 per day after a $1,100 weekly dip. West Africa-to-China rests at WS58.19, yielding $41,981 daily with a $700 gain, while U.S. Gulf-to-China settles at $8.26 million, equating to $46,629 per day after a $1,000 drop. Earnings cling to the mid-$30,000s, a sturdy anchor as Brent crude slumps to $63 per barrel (its lowest since 2021), trimming bunker costs. Robust cargo flows keep rates buoyant, even as stock markets tremble with unease.

Supply Boosts

A fresh gust lifts the market as OPEC+ unveils a bold 411,000 barrel-per-day output hike, set to ripple through from May. New cargoes will hit the water next week, promising a lifeline against softening trends. Meanwhile, U.S. sanctions on Iran’s exports carve out shadow fleet capacity, sidelining 54 VLCCs and pushing utilization to 90% from 83% since October 2024. Off Malaysia’s east coast, two Russian Suezmaxes offload 2 million barrels to the VLCC Atila, now steaming toward Dongjiakou, China, by April 9. Shadow trades flex their resilience, tightening the reins on compliant tonnage, and VLCCs ride this swell with quiet strength.

Broader Impacts

Global tides tug at the horizon. U.S.-China tariffs climb to 145% versus 125%, stirring unease among traders, with Frontline’s stock down 34% since January yet rebounding 4% in recent Oslo trading. OPEC+’s bullish move jars against recession murmurs, but VLCCs find footing in low orderbooks and an aging fleet averaging 15 years. Analysts glimpse a late-2025 surge if sanctions and output align. For now, stability reigns, with promise bubbling beneath the surface.

For illustrative purposes

⏳ Suezmax Market: Cresting the Wave

Rate Climb

Suezmax tankers, mid-tier maestros of crude, seize a scarcity-driven ascent. Nigeria-to-UK Continent rates rise to WS104.72, netting $48,650 daily after a 9-point gain. Guyana-to-UK Continent reaches WS103.61, delivering $47,818 per day with a 7-point uptick, while CPC-to-Mediterranean steadies at WS130, yielding $65,500 daily. Middle East Gulf-to-Med inches to WS91, and the Baltic TCE leaps to $56,540 per day (a 2025 peak), adding $1,428 in a day. Tight U.S. Gulf and West Africa lists propel late April fixtures to WS102.5 for 145kt cargoes, handing owners a commanding perch.

Hot Zones

The U.S. Gulf ignites with chaos as fixture failures force charterers to secure ships via unconventional routes, shelling out premiums as tonnage vanishes. West Africa pulses with unresolved stems, where owners spurn softer deals, betting on further gains. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) roars back with 1.6 million barrels daily from the Black Sea, driven by Kazakhstan’s Tengiz field, stretching hauls to Asia. Middle East Gulf tonnage fades as some vessels ballast south to the Cape of Good Hope, lifting eco-Suezmax rates to $50,300 daily from $45,000 last week. Scarcity fuels this fiery climb.

Trade Twists

Trade flows twist under strain. A Chinese Suezmax, Arina, ferries Venezuelan Merey crude from Cuba to Asia, dodging sanctions or shedding surplus. India rejects the Andaman Skies over non-IACS class issues, prompting a cargo swap to Ozanno for Vadinar delivery. CPC’s export revival and U.S. license cuts in Venezuela (Repsol pivots to Mexican Maya) stoke Suezmax demand. Tariffs rumble in the distance, yet today, scarcity keeps this market ablaze, with risks lurking for tomorrow.

Oil tanker Kerala, chartered by Chevron $CVX (-0.15%)
, is being loaded in the Bajo Grande oil terminal at Maracaibo Lake, Venezuela, January 5, 2023 - for illustrative purposes

⏱️ Aframax Market: Atlantic Roar

Rate Highlights

Aframax tankers, the fleet’s nimble warriors, roar across the Atlantic. U.S. Gulf-to-UK Continent peaks at WS200 before settling at WS190, yielding $52,404 daily after an 11-point rise. East Coast Mexico-to-U.S. Gulf hits WS225.83, delivering $68,309 per day, and Covenas-to-U.S. Gulf reaches WS221.56, netting $61,039 daily—both up 4 points. Cross-Mediterranean climbs to WS178.39, offering $60,646 per day, while North Sea holds at WS135-137.5, equating to $53,221 daily. The Baltic TCE rises to $49,397 per day (2025’s high), gaining $1,015 in a day—Atlantic might echoes loud.

Tonnage Trends

U.S. tariffs on Canadian oil redirect ships to Europe, siphoning Mediterranean tonnage. The U.S. Gulf’s gravitational pull deters ballasters, amplifying rate gains. Mid-April cargoes mostly settle, though stragglers may stretch timelines. Black Sea earnings stand tall with few available ships, while Mediterranean oversupply curbs third-decade fixes—Atlantic vigor lifts the region’s tide. Eco-Aframax rates touch $52,000 daily, outpacing yearly norms as thinning lists stoke the flames.

Sanctions Strain

Sanctions ripple outward. Four shadow Aframaxes—Hui Hai Atlantic, Krymsk, Reneez, and Ladoga—slip Russian and Iranian crude into China’s Dongying after AIS blackouts. Sovcomflot shifts 700,000 barrels of Sakhalin crude off Hong Kong to Gulei, China, bending around curbs. India’s IACS stance narrows compliant options, and U.S. pressure on Iranian facilitators adds tension. Yet Aframax roars on Atlantic strength, unfazed by the undertow—for now.

For illustrative purposes

⏸️ LR/MR/Handymax Market: Currents Apart

Rate Rundown

Clean tankers sail divergent paths. LR2 MEG-to-Japan plunges from WS250 to WS130.28, with MEG-to-UK Continent dropping $271,000 to $3.73 million. LR1 MEG-to-Japan eases to WS139.69, MEG-to-UK Continent falls to $2.86 million, yet UK Continent-to-West Africa holds at WS130, yielding $25,000 daily. MR MEG-to-East Africa slips to WS190, UK Continent-to-U.S. Atlantic dips to WS132.5 ($13,895/day), and U.S. Gulf TC14 slides to WS98.57 ($19,668/day basket). Handymax Med TC6 leaps to WS192.22, while UK Continent TC23 lingers at WS150—East and West drift apart.

Market Moods

Asia’s clean waters darken as weak demand drags LR rates, though cheaper bunkers soften the sting. The West stirs with life—Handymax Med surges on short supply, and U.S. Gulf resists collapse, holding above Covid lows at $19,668 daily basket. Q1 spot rates rival late-2024 peaks, with rising crack spreads defying gloom—OPEC+’s boost could stretch clean hauls if refineries roar. Eastern fade meets Western flicker in this split-sea tale.

Outside Forces

U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil movers intersect with gray fleet pressures. BRS predicts 60 ships—especially LR2 and Aframax—could face scrapping if Russian curbs ease. Tariff jitters drag stocks into the mire, yet tankers’ lean balance sheets (25% debt-to-asset ratios) signal endurance. Clean markets teeter between Eastern slump and Western spark—external winds shape their course.

🌐 What’s Moving It: Oil and Tensions

Oil and Supply

OPEC+’s 411,000 barrel-per-day hike and CPC’s 1.6 million barrel-per-day exports fuel tanker demand. Brent at $63 trims fuel costs, though stock volatility keeps owners on edge. Shadow trades off Malaysia, China, and Hong Kong—moving over 4 million barrels—persist, with sanctions shrinking compliant fleets and lifting utilization. Oil’s surge steers this ship.

Global Dynamics

U.S. sanctions target 30 tankers tied to Iranian and Houthi networks. U.S.-China tariffs (145% vs. 125%) and EU’s 25% countermeasures brew trade war fears. Tankers shine with old fleets and low debt—resilience amid geopolitical storms sets them apart from faltering sectors like containers.

🌐 Market and Stocks: Value in the Vortex

Stock Swings

Tanker stocks weather a brutal squall. Frontline $FRO (-1.27%) slides 34% since January, clawing back 4% recently, while Teekay $TNK (+0.49%) nears cash-plus-scrap value ($14 million for a 15-year Suezmax). Hafnia $HAFNI (-1.52%) and Scorpio $STNG (-1.66%) slump to Covid-era lows, yet Q1 rates defy the gloom—tariffs cast a heavy shadow, misaligning stocks with fundamentals.

Investor Angles

Pareto deems the sell-off excessive, noting firms with 25% debt-to-asset ratios trade at trough vessel values—unheard of with elevated rates and newbuild prices. If valuations stagnate, buybacks or take-private moves could surge. Scorpio $STNG (-1.66%) and Torm $TRMD A (-1.16%) lead with deleveraged balance sheets, poised to weather storms. DNB positions tankers to outlast containers in a recession, thanks to rerouting benefits—value beckons, but patience is the watchword—upside whispers grow louder.

Sector Outlook

U.S. tariff pauses (excluding China) nudge shares upward, yet 145% Chinese tariffs cloud consumer impacts. Aging fleets (10% over 20 years) and inflation hint at a 2028 tightening—near-term jitters mask long-term bets. Stocks lag reality, ripe for a rebound if trade steadies—undervalued gems gleam in the chaos.

Tanker stocks - previous close prices (April 10th)(Prev) and intraday (April 11th) moves (Chg %)

🌐 Outlook: Shifting Horizons

Fluid Futures

VLCCs hover at $36,000-$46,000 daily—OPEC+ steadies the keel—resilient yet poised. Suezmax spans $47,000-$65,000 per day—scarcity powers ahead—robust and ready. Aframax ranges $49,000-$68,000 daily—Atlantic thunders on—strong as steel. Clean tankers diverge—LRs at $25,000-$36,000, MRs at $13,000-$19,000 daily—West rises, East wanes—mixed currents flow.

Your Call

Will Suezmax hold its crest, or VLCCs reclaim the helm? Share your take—let’s chart the course! 🚢

1 Year T/C - VLCC SUEZMAX AFRAMAX ECO / SCRUBBER - April 9th

$NAT (+0.48%)

$FRO (-1.27%)

$TRMD A (-1.16%)

$STNG (-1.66%)

$OET (-5.03%)

$HAFNI (-1.52%)

$DHT (+1.32%)

$TNK (+0.49%)

$ASC (-0.82%)

$INSW (-0.99%)

*The Worldscale (WS) rate is a system used to calculate tanker freight rates, where WS 100 represents a standard base rate for a specific route. Rates above or below this benchmark indicate how much more or less a charterer will pay relative to the base cost. A higher WS rate means better earnings for shipowners, while a lower WS rate means lower transportation costs for charterers.

The tanker market in early April 2025 blends steady rhythms with sudden jolts, shaped by regional dynamics and bold geopolitical moves. VLCCs are easing in the Middle East as cargo demand softens, yet the Atlantic keeps them afloat with solid exports. Suezmax faces headwinds from terminal disruptions and surplus ships, while Aframax thrives in the West on tight supply and Canadian crude shifts. Clean tankers—LRs, MRs, and Handymax—struggle with weak demand, especially eastward. U.S. tariffs on Venezuelan and Russian oil, Panama’s shadow fleet purge, and Iran’s Gulf seizures are reshaping trade, with fees on Chinese-built ships adding complexity. As of April 4, 2025, it’s a market of resilience and rupture, driven by global headlines.

This update unpacks VLCC, Suezmax, Aframax, and LR/MR/Handymax, spotlighting the events that matter. From sanctions to supply shocks, here’s a clear, engaging rundown—easy to follow, rich with insight.

⏬ VLCC Market: Eastern Drift, Western Lift

Market Trends and Earnings

Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), the ocean-spanning oil haulers, are seeing earnings slip in the Middle East Gulf, settling around $36,465 per day by April 4 as mid-month cargo bookings dwindled. In the Atlantic, the story shifts—U.S. Gulf routes hold firm near $46,055/day—exporters there rely on steady demand to offset Eastern weakness. Gibsons paints a picture of a sluggish Middle East, where relet ships flooded the market, overwhelming thin April 10-20 loadings and eroding owners’ rate defenses. Jefferies notes VLCC spot averages at $45,000/day, edging past Q1’s $44,000, while Clarksons pegs eco-VLCCs at $49,200/day, showing mainstream crude still has legs.

Sanctions and Trade Shifts

U.S. tariffs of 25% on Venezuelan oil buyers, launched in late March, cut Jose port loadings—Kpler reports just 7 cargoes in March versus 15 in February—pushing more hauls across the Atlantic. President Trump’s March 31 threat of 25%-50% tariffs on Russian oil buyers adds pressure—India rejected the sanctioned Andaman Skies with 767,000 barrels, signaling tighter compliance. Panama’s April 1 move to deflag 125 sanctioned ships, including 68 tankers, shrinks the shadow fleet, redirecting cargoes to mainstream VLCCs via sales and purchases. Clarksons highlights a Q1 demand bump as India and China snapped up replacement crude—though a Pacific slowdown looms.

Geopolitical Risks and Outlook

Iran’s April 1 seizure of two tankers with 3 million liters of diesel in the Gulf raises the stakes—Ambrey warns U.S.-linked ships could face retaliation after the U.S. seized $47 million in Iranian oil proceeds. Oil firms and traders have capped rate spikes, prioritizing logistics—Gibsons sees a cycle bottom nearing, with Atlantic strength as VLCCs’ lifeline. The market’s split—West steadies, East drifts—keeps earnings balanced for now.

Oil platforms in Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela

⏳ Suezmax Market: Disruption Dents, Gulf Persists

Market Performance

Suezmax tankers, mid-sized crude carriers, are under pressure, with earnings dropping to about $39,389/day by April 4, down 8 points from last week, as oversupply and setbacks hit hard. The U.S. Gulf offers relief—earnings there hover near $40,339/day—tight tonnage provides a buffer against broader declines. Jefferies tracks averages at $49,000/day, above Q1’s $39,000, while Clarksons lists eco-Suezmax at $45,700/day—yet Middle East tonnage growth darkens the horizon.

Terminal Disruptions

A big disruption struck the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC)—U.S. disputes and OPEC overproduction claims shut two Suezmax berths, canceling April cargoes and cutting rates to around $54,500/day. The Middle East Gulf is stagnant—little cargo moved in early April—brokers suspect charterers are letting ships pile up to push rates lower. In the U.S. Gulf, thin supply holds firm, supported by Aframax below, though UK-Continent ballasters favor transatlantic runs, capping local gains.

Sanctions and Supply Shifts

Repsol’s Monte Serantes ditched Venezuelan crude for Mexican Maya after the U.S. revoked licenses for Eni and M&P, aligning with Chevron’s May 27 exit—Venezuela’s oil flow is shrinking. Panama’s deflagging of sanctioned tankers shifts cargoes to mainstream Suezmax, while Trump’s Russian oil tariff threat—25%-50%—looms large, with India’s Andaman Skies block showing swift adaptation. The market’s strained—CPC chaos and surplus ships drag it down, but Gulf demand keeps some hope alive.

⏱️ Aframax Market: Western Surge, Eastern Calm

Western Strength

Aframax tankers, the nimble crude movers, shine in the West—U.S. Gulf earnings hit around $65,358/day by April 4, up sharply, as tonnage dropped 50% month-on-month, tightening supply. North Sea rates rose to about $49,200/day—Jefferies sees averages at $50,000/day, far above Q1’s $32,000, with Clarksons at $47,100/day for eco-Aframax. Canada East Coast voyages spiked 67% in March, mostly to Europe, keeping tonne-miles robust and rates high.

Eastern Softening

The Mediterranean eased to roughly $56,700/day—late March’s rush faded, with ballasters and Suezmax soaking up volume. Activity has slowed, shifting focus to mid-April bookings—brokers say owners might trim rates for firm cargoes as competition grows. The CPC mess hits Suezmax more—Aframax feels little so far—but Europe’s crude import dip could temper gains.

Sanctions and Risks

India’s block of the sanctioned Andaman Skies (767,000 barrels) and Panama’s 125-ship purge boost mainstream Aframax demand. Trump’s 25%-50% Russian oil tariff talk could stretch routes—Greek owner Harry Vafias sees long-term shipping wins from trade inefficiencies. Iran’s Gulf seizures raise risks—Ambrey flags U.S.-linked Aframax as targets. The West leads—Gulf and Canada power ahead—while the East hints at a pause.

An aframax at the Trans Mountain Expansion Westridge Marine Terminal at Vancouver

⏸️ LR/MR/Handymax Market: Clean Struggles, West Sparks

Market Weakness

LR2s, the larger clean tankers, plateaued—Middle East Gulf-to-UK held under $4 million through April 4, showing no spark. LR1s stayed flat in the East, but UK-Continent runs rose to $21,739/day, up over $2,000, as ships grew scarce. MRs in the Middle East Gulf fell to around $17,512/day—U.S. Gulf settled near $25,902/day—while Handymax crashed, with Mediterranean rates down over 90 points from weak demand.

Demand and Rate Trends

Jefferies lists LR2s at $36,000/day and MRs at $29,000/day, topping Q1 figures—Ioannis Papadimitriou notes Northwest Europe loadings lifting UK-to-U.S. rates to a six-month high. Clean demand lags 2019 volumes, though tonne-miles beat it—recent softness persists, but refinery restarts and Red Sea risks could stretch voyages soon. Iran’s 3M-liter diesel seizure in the Gulf on April 1 might redirect flows over time.

Emerging Pressures

U.S. port fees on Chinese-built ships—up to $3.5M per call—have Intertanko reviewing contracts, as owners weigh U.S. runs. The clean sector’s down—Western gains flicker—but Eastern weakness pulls the mood lower for now.

January 16, 2025 - ships under construction in a yard of a shipbuilding company in Taicang, east China’s Jiangsu province

🌐 What’s Shaping It: Sanctions, Fees, and Flashpoints

Tariffs and Trade

U.S. 25% tariffs on Venezuelan/Russian oil and license cuts for Chevron and Repsol shrink exports—Atlantic tankers gain as trade pivots west. Panama’s 125-ship deflagging and India’s Russian crude block tighten compliant fleets—shadow trades fade, lifting mainstream demand. Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs (April 2) rewrite maps—Greek owners like John Coustas see long-term tonne-mile wins.

Geopolitical Risks

Iran’s Gulf seizures and the U.S.’s $47M oil grab heat up tensions—Ambrey warns U.S.-linked ships could face blowback. CPC berth closures disrupt flows—tonne-miles rise, but seasonal lulls near. Chinese-built ship fees ($1M-$3.5M) loom—Clarksons predicts value gaps, MJLF sees rate hikes from chaos.

🌐 Outlook: A Market in Motion

VLCCs sit at $45,000-$49,000/day—Atlantic steadies, Middle East softens—sanctions could spark a lift. Suezmax ranges $39,000-$54,000/day—CPC stings, Gulf holds—surplus looms. Aframax spans $47,000-$65,000/day—West dominates—East may cool. Clean splits—LRs at $36,000/day, MRs at $29,000/day—West lifts, East lags.

1 Year T/C - VLCC SUEZMAX AFRAMAX ECO / SCRUBBER - April 2nd

💬 What’s Your Call?

Aframax keeping the lead, or VLCCs set to rally? Share your take—let’s dive in! 🚢

$NAT (+0.48%)

$FRO (-1.27%)

$TRMD A (-1.16%)

$STNG (-1.66%)

$OET (-5.03%)

$HAFNI (-1.52%)

$DHT (+1.32%)

$TNK (+0.49%)

$ASC (-0.82%)

$INSW (-0.99%)

*The Worldscale (WS) rate is a system used to calculate tanker freight rates, where WS 100 represents a standard base rate for a specific route. Rates above or below this benchmark indicate how much more or less a charterer will pay relative to the base cost. A higher WS rate means better earnings for shipowners, while a lower WS rate means lower transportation costs for charterers.

The tanker market in late March 2025 is a tale of contrasts and catalysts. VLCCs hold steady with subtle gains, buoyed by U.S. Gulf tightness and Venezuelan export curbs, while Suezmax firms in the Atlantic but faces supply headwinds. Aframax rates explode, driven by Mediterranean frenzy and Canadian crude rerouting, and clean tankers—LRs, MRs, Handymax—see mixed fortunes with Eastern strength fading. U.S. tariffs on Venezuelan oil buyers, a Russia-Ukraine maritime truce, and Thailand’s rail bypass plan shake up trade flows. Iran’s forged Iraqi documents and Saudi production whispers add intrigue. It’s a market balancing resilience with disruption—rates are up, but risks are stacking.

This update dives into VLCC, Suezmax, Aframax, and LR/MR/Handymax trends, unpacking the forces at play. From freight surges to geopolitical pivots, here’s the detailed scoop—clear and grounded.

⏬ VLCC Market: Holding Firm Amid Flux

Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), the titans of oil transport, trudged along with Middle East Gulf-to-China (TD3C) rates easing to WS 58.95, yielding a round-trip TCE of $39,224 per day as of March 28.

West Africa-to-China (TD15) slipped to WS 59.88 ($40,899/day), but U.S. Gulf-to-China (TD22) climbed to $8.522M ($45,838/day), up $262,555, reflecting a tight position list in the Gulf.

Modern tonnage for MEG eastbound runs is scarce, pushing charterers to older ships or ex-dry dock options at discounts—West Africa and Brazil offer more breathing room with balanced supply.

U.S. tariffs (25%) on Venezuelan oil buyers—effective March 25—slashed loadings at Jose port, with Chevron’s exit looming by May 27, dropping March exports from 15 to 7 cargoes.

Venezuela’s 790,000 bpd February exports (256,000 bpd to U.S.) now face rerouting—Arctic Securities sees VLCCs gaining from longer hauls like Canada or Saudi Arabia replacing them.

Breakwave suggests Saudi Arabia might flood markets as in 2015, potentially driving VLCC rates to $100,000/day if OPEC+ unwinds 2.2M bpd cuts starting April.

Clarksons notes a $48,800/day fleet average on March 26, down 4%—rates ticked to $46,263 by Friday—showing steadiness despite cooling from a $47,834 peak on March 19.

Iraq’s oil minister flagged Iranian tankers using forged Iraqi manifests—U.S. seizures in the Gulf underline Trump’s “maximum pressure” on Iran, tightening shadow fleet scrutiny.

Thailand’s $29bn Landbridge rail could bypass Malacca by 2030, trimming 2,000 km off VLCC routes—though years away, it’s a future wildcard.

MOL and CMB.Tech’s ammonia-fueled bulkers (not tankers) signal decarbonization’s ripple—VLCCs might feel fuel shifts later.

The market’s “steady as she goes”—U.S. Gulf strength and tariff fallout keep it afloat, but oversupply risks loom if Saudi acts.

⏳ Suezmax Market: Atlantic Rises, Clouds Gather

Suezmax, the mid-tier crude haulers, saw Nigeria-to-UK (TD20) rates rebound to WS 102.92 ($45,125/day) by March 28, up 7 points, fueled by U.S. Gulf momentum.

Guyana-to-UK (TD27) rose to WS 100.28 ($43,322/day), while CPC-to-Med (TD6) held steady at WS 130 ($63,123/day)—Middle East-to-Med (TD23) lingered at WS 93-94.

U.S. Gulf spiked to 145kt x WS 92.5, a $6,000/day TCE edge over TD20’s last-done WS 97.5—owners push for WS 100, a threshold narrowly missed last week.

Aframax support lifts both Atlantic sides—only one firm U.S. Gulf-to-TA option exists, with others tied to shaky schedules, tightening the squeeze.

Charterers snapped up West Africa and South Africa openers, thinning front-end lists—Eastern ballasters to Cape of Good Hope got nabbed, hinting at a post-weekend ease.

Clarksons pegged a $43,400/day average on March 26, down 1.4%—Atlantic firmness contrasts with supply creep that could stall gains next week.

Russia-Ukraine maritime truce (March 25) may cut Black Sea risks—Clarksons sees no volume shift yet, but safer Russian crude could draw ships.

The outlook’s firm for now—U.S. Gulf and Atlantic demand prop rates, but tonnage relief might cap the climb soon.

⏱️ Aframax Market: Europe Ignites, Rates Rocket

Aframax, the nimble crude movers, erupted—Clarksons’ fleet average hit $45,800/day on March 28, up 13% daily, 52% weekly, and 72% monthly.

Cross-Mediterranean (TD19) soared to WS 198 ($69,372/day) by March 28, a 69-point leap—eco-ships touched $67,000/day Friday, up 88% week-on-week after a $51,200 peak.

North Sea (TD7) jumped to WS 126.67 ($43,100/day), a 19-point gain—U.S. Gulf-to-UK (TD25) rose to WS 182.5 ($47,747/day), and Mexico-to-Gulf (TD26) hit WS 189 ($49,644/day).

Signal Ocean ties the surge to U.S. 10% tariffs on Canadian crude—Europe (UK, Netherlands) absorbs 69% of redirected barrels, with Aframaxes hauling over 75%.

Mediterranean fixing for April stems slashed tonnage—Fearnleys notes shrinking lists and few U.S. Gulf ballasters, driving rates skyward.

North Sea lagged but firmed to $46,900/day Friday—consistent cargo could push it higher as ships chase hotter markets.

CPC output stays quiet for Aframaxes—rates there await a spark, while U.S. Gulf-to-Europe eco-runs hit $43,700/day, up 38% weekly.

Clarksons calls it a “flurry of activity”—Med’s 57% weekly growth leads, but parity with Suezmax TCEs might temper the frenzy soon.

Russia-Ukraine truce hasn’t shifted volumes—ABG Sundal deems it “inconsequential” for now—focus stays on European demand.

Positive owner sentiment rules—Aframax outpaces bigger peers, with Q2 looking rosy if Canadian flows hold.

1 Year T/C - VLCC SUEZMAX AFRAMAX ECO / SCRUBBER - March 26th

⏸️ LR/MR/Handymax Market: Clean Hits a Wall

LR2s, the large clean tankers, hit a plateau—TC1 (75kt MEG/Japan) fell from WS 163.61 to WS 153.33, and TC20 (90kt MEG/UK) dropped $243,000 to $3.956M by March 28.

West of Suez, TC15 (Med/East) dipped to $2.985M—stable but softer—Eastern petrochemical demand eased, cooling last week’s spike.

LR1s bucked the trend—TC5 (55kt MEG/Japan) rose to WS 180.94, and TC8 (65kt MEG/UK) climbed to $3.33M—UK’s TC16 edged to WS 115.94, up 2.81 points.

MRs in the MEG retreated—TC17 (35kt to East Africa) lost 27.5 points to WS 237.5—while UK’s TC2 (37kt to U.S. Atlantic) peaked at WS 195, settling at WS 185.63 ($29,086/day).

U.S. Gulf MRs surged—TC14 (38kt to UK) hit WS 136.79, TC18 (to Brazil) reached WS 201.43, and TC21 (to Caribbean) jumped 38% to $839,286—basket TCE rose to $31,802.

Handymax softened—Med’s TC6 fell to WS 248.89 (down 30 points), and UK’s TC23 dropped to WS 198.06—last week’s Baltic gains faded.

Eastern strength wanes—naphtha pull subsided—U.S. Gulf enquiry cleared prompt ships, lifting rates there instead.

MOL’s ammonia-ready chemical tankers (2028-2029 delivery) hint at clean fuel shifts—today’s rates feel current supply more.

⏳ What’s Shaping It: Tariffs and Truces

U.S. 25% tariffs on Venezuelan oil buyers and Chevron’s exit cut exports—VLCCs eye longer hauls—China and Iran bristle.

Canadian crude tariffs (10%) reroute barrels to Europe—Aframax thrives—Signal Ocean sees it lasting into Q2.

Russia-Ukraine maritime truce eases Black Sea risks—no volume boost yet—sanctions relief tied to Russia’s grain trade.

Iran’s forged Iraqi manifests dodge U.S. pressure—Iraq denies involvement—shadow fleets adapt.

Thailand’s Landbridge and Saudi supply hikes loom—OPEC+ cuts unwind could flood tankers by late 2025.

🌐 Outlook: Hot Spots, High Stakes

VLCCs hover near $45,000-$50,000/day—Saudi moves or Venezuelan gaps could spike it—steady for now.

Suezmax holds $43,000-$63,000/day—Atlantic’s firm, but supply might cool it—watch U.S. Gulf.

Aframax rides $45,000-$67,000/day—Med and Europe lead—Canadian crude keeps it cooking.

Clean tankers split—LR1s and U.S. MRs gain, LR2s and Handymax ease—East fades, West rises.

💬 Your Take?

Aframax boom or VLCC sleeper? Drop your thoughts—let’s unpack it! 🚢

$NAT (+0.48%)

$FRO (-1.27%)

$TRMD A (-1.16%)

$STNG (-1.66%)

$OET (-5.03%)

$HAFNI (-1.52%)

$DHT (+1.32%)

$TNK (+0.49%)

$ASC (-0.82%)

$INSW (-0.99%)

*The Worldscale (WS) rate is a system used to calculate tanker freight rates, where WS 100 represents a standard base rate for a specific route. Rates above or below this benchmark indicate how much more or less a charterer will pay relative to the base cost. A higher WS rate means better earnings for shipowners, while a lower WS rate means lower transportation costs for charterers.