The February 2026 Affinity Tanker Chartbook offers a comprehensive snapshot of the global tanker fleet at a moment of accelerating renewal and shifting market dynamics. The fleet now stands at 673.6 Mn DWT, with growth picking up in 2025 and continuing into early 2026. The report highlights a structurally ageing fleetagainst a historically large orderbook.
Across all size segments, ordering momentum has surged, led by VLCCs, Suezmaxes, and MRs. China’s dominance in newbuilding is unmistakable, accounting for 67% of the orderbook, while alternative‑fuel tonnage remains marginal at 7%. Deliveries are set to climb sharply, underscoring a multi‑year fleet expansion cycle.
At the segment level, the chartbook provides detailed profiles of VLCC, Suezmax, Aframax/LR2, LR1, MR, and Handysize fleets, covering age structures, demolition trends, and monthly contracting patterns.