LR2
LR2 rates in the Middle East Gulf were largely unchanged this week. The TC1 MEG–Japan index held steady around WS155, keeping TCEs in the $37,000–39,000/day range. Westbound TC20 MEG–UK Continent voyages remained flat at just above $4.0 million.
In the Mediterranean, TC15 improved slightly, rising $25,000 to $3.99 million, offering a rare positive note for the segment.
LR1
LR1 activity was similarly stable. TC5 MEG–Japan hovered around WS180, while TC8 MEG–UK Continent edged $57,000 higher to $3.41 million.
In the UK Continent, TC16 ARA–West Africa inched up 1.5 points to WS149, but overall sentiment remained muted.
MR
MRs showed mixed performance. In the MEG, TC17 MEG–East Africa firmed slightly to WS230.
By contrast, the UK Continent saw notable weakness, with TC2 ARA–US Atlantic Coast falling 12.5 points to WS136, pushing TCEs down to just over $14,000/day.
US Gulf MRs also softened, with TC14 dropping to WS166 and Caribbean runs declining. The Atlantic MR triangulation TCE slipped to around $31,800/day.
Handysize
Handymax rates were mostly flat to weaker. Mediterranean TC6 held at WS180, while TC23 crossing the UK–Continent fell sharply by 21 points to WS179, although TCEs remained near $21,600/day.
Dirty Tankers
VLCC
VLCC markets were largely steady. TD3C MEG–China edged up to WS125.78, delivering a strong $122,600/day TCE.
Atlantic routes softened slightly, with TD15 West Africa–China easing to WS113.50 and TD22 US Gulf–China slipping to $13.72 million.
Suezmax
Suezmax markets steadied overall, except for some softness in the Black Sea. TD20 Nigeria–UK Continent held at WS126, while TD27 Guyana–UKC stayed near WS125.
The CPC–Augusta TD6 route dropped sharply to just below WS160, but Middle East TD23 remained stable near WS105.
Aframax
Aframax rates were mixed. North Sea TD7 remained flat around WS157. In the Mediterranean, TD19 surged 23 points to WS206.78, with expectations of further gains.
In the Atlantic, short-haul routes strengthened, but TD25 US Gulf–UK Continent slipped further to WS197.78. Vancouver exports continued to weaken, with TD28 falling to $2.93 million.
Market Takeaway
Week 50 saw broad stabilisation at elevated levels, but cracks appeared in clean MR segments and some long-haul dirty routes. Owners remain supported by tight tonnage in places, though charterers continue to test resistance where supply allows.
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Source: Baltic Exchange
