Geopolitics boost freight rates but pose challenges to shipowners elsewhere in International Shipping News 04/06/2026 Geopolitical conflicts have pushed up vessel earnings while creating obstacles for shipping companies in crewing and making mid- and long-term investments, several shipowners said. Freight rates in various sectors have risen as Iran seized control of the Strait of Hormuz since its war with Israel and the US began Feb. 28, limiting maritime traffic vis the choke point to 90% below the pre-war level and prompting consumers to seek goods elsewhere, often in longer shipments. The rate rally has come after multiple geopolitical events, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the Houthi-Israel conflict over Gaza, lead to shipping disruptions and generate more ton-mile demand in recent years. Andy Dacy, chief executive of JP Morgan Asset Management’s Global Transport Group, the US bank’s shipowning vehicle, said geopolitics could be positive for shipping markets even though shipowners should prioritize crew safety. “It’s a bit of an irony,” Dacy told the TradeWinds Shipowners Forum Greece at Posidonia. “Next 12 months we are in a pretty good shape. “Our goal is to do it safely … to support the world for what it needs.” Having jumped from $170,409/day Feb. 27 to $401,138/d March 4, Platts Global Dirty Tanker Index for scrubber-fitted, eco-ships stayed at a strong level of $221,657/d May 29. Platts Global Dry Bulk Index for non-scrubber ships surpassed $32,000/d in May for the first time since it was launched in November 2023. It was last assessed at $35,807/d on May 29. The Platts Container Index, a weighted average of key container routes, rose about 112% or $2,384/FEU since August 1, 2025, reaching a 10-month high of $4,512.7/FEU on June 1. Platts is part of S&P Global Energy. Caveats Harry Vafias, CEO of Vafias Group, one of the largest Greek shipowners, said geopolitics “helps shipping markets obviously” but makes investment decisions like buying ships