Group 1 - The cost of chartering Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) has surged to its highest level in over five years, driven by buyers seeking alternatives to sanctioned Russian oil and increased supply from Middle Eastern and U.S. producers [1] - The benchmark freight rate for VLCCs transporting oil from the Middle East to China rose to nearly $137,000 per day, marking a 576% increase year-to-date and the highest level since April 2020 [1] - A broader index covering multiple VLCC routes also reached $116,400 per day, setting a new five-year high [1] Group 2 - The increase in VLCC bookings is attributed to U.S. sanctions on Russian oil companies, which took effect last week, prompting buyers, particularly from India and China, to seek alternative suppliers [4] - Analysts noted that the rise in rates aligns with increased production from the U.S. and OPEC+ countries, especially Middle Eastern producers preparing to offer more crude oil to buyers [4] - The surge in VLCC rates has also benefited the entire tanker fleet, with smaller vessels experiencing higher earnings as Suezmax tankers have entered the Middle East to transport cargo typically handled by VLCCs [4]
创5年来新高！美国制裁俄油促使买家转向替补供应 VLCC运价继续飙涨