S&P and Newbuilding Weekly 12 June 2026

The newbuilding market is showing signs of returning to normalcy post-Posidonia, although a cautious sentiment prevails, particularly in the crude sector. Crude tanker orders accounted for 56 per cent of total DWT ordering in 2026, with January-May figures reaching 57.9 Mn DWT, prompting concerns over fleet growth and potential overcapacity. Despite robust activity in the dry bulk sector, which is gaining momentum as owners grow more optimistic, tanker and product segments reflect a delicate balance amid geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East. The situation remains fluid, with asset values in the tanker market supported by strong freight fundamentals, yet slowing demand for clean product tankers as ordering lags behind crude. Dry bulk transactions have seen noteworthy sales, particularly for modern vessels, suggesting resilience in that market segment, driven by ongoing strong demand and limited availability in shipyards.