信德海事网-专业海事信息咨询服务平台 登录 | 注册 [ 设为首页 ] [ 加入收藏 ] 中文版 ENGLISH WeChat Mobile --> --> ENGLISH   >   MARKET --> Soaring Rates: Could VLCC Earnings Hit $100,000/Day?! 2025-10-16 11:20 By： Xinde Marine News Skye Polly 分享： --> --> --> 评论 --> --> Driven by the combined impact of the China–U.S. "port fee war" and sudden geopolitical factors, the VLCC spot market has rebounded sharply. Multiple brokers and investment banks indicate that the latest fixtures for modern tonnage are approaching $99,000/day, with scrubber-fitted ships commanding roughly a $1,200/day premium—pushing composite rates back toward the $100,000/day mark.   On Tuesday, the Baltic Exchange assessed average earnings on the Middle East Gulf–China route at $84,800/day, a 50% jump within a week.   Specific drivers include the following: the United States imposed sanctions on 92 additional parties last week; China introduced a Special Port Fee on U.S.-linked vessels. Together, these moves have effectively split the fleet into two tiers, constraining choices around port calls and discharge, prompting rerouting/repositioning and non-standard ballast legs that compress effective capacity. Late last week, cargo stems bunched and sentiment firmed; owners broadly raised asking levels.   Looking ahead, robust U.S. export demand and continued uncertainty point to further near-term firming in freight rates.     Greek Tanker Owners Unite in Market Optimism As tanker values climb steeply, attention returns to the sector’s powerhouse—Greek owners.   In recent years, Greece’s traditional tanker operators have staged a collective expansion across conventional tanker segments.   Market chatter suggests Thenamaris, led by Nikolas Martinos, is in talks with—or may already have reached agreement with—John Fredriksen’s Frontline to acquire its entire 18-ship LR2 fleet.   This potential transaction valued at $1 billion, would mark another large-scale move in Greek shippin