S&P and Newbuilding Weekly 05 June 2026

Tanker markets remain buoyant following Posidonia, with 2026 average earnings for VLCCs at USD 102,813/day and high activity levels, potentially pushing total newbuilding business close to USD 10 Bn. While vibrant discussions surrounded contracts, the tanker second-hand market paused due to the event, with no confirmed sales reported. Geopolitical tensions, particularly involving the Iran-US dynamics, are influencing asset values, while optimism persists in dry bulk despite subdued transactional activity. The week demonstrated firm tanker fundamentals amid ongoing risk in the energy landscape, as record U.S. crude exports help sustain demand and pricing expectations.