The strong performance of Aframax/Suezmax defies the trend
The tanker market has shown varied trends this week, with Aframaxes and Suezmaxes holding steady, while the larger crude carriers, the VLCCs, have experienced a decline in earnings. Traditionally, this time of year is marked by a downturn for the tanker market due to seasonality, characterized by limited activity and increased refinery maintenance.
Despite some market volatility, our main tanker segments – Aframaxes/LR2s and Suezmaxes – continue to perform well, with earnings significantly above breakeven levels. Looking ahead, we remain optimistic as OPEC+ continues to ease production cuts, bringing more crude to the market and boosting demand, even as we enter a typically quieter seasonal period.
Stable Vehicle Market – General Increase in Gas Rates
In the gas segment, the VLGC (Very Large Gas Carrier) market experienced increased activity in the West this week, driven by strong demand and a favorable price differential (arbitrage) between regions. In the East, although the number of new cargo requests decreased, freight rates still rose as available vessels were redirected by the more dynamic American market. The PCTC market remained stable this week, with no major changes in earnings or notable developments, except for a reduction in U.S. port fees for car carriers, which is a significant advantage for the segment (read more here).
Source: Clarksons