Oil tanker rates to stay strong into 2026 as sanctions remove ships for hire

Core Viewpoint - The cost of shipping oil is expected to remain elevated in the first half of 2026 due to an aging global fleet and increasing sanctions on vessels [1] Shipping Industry - The global fleet is aging, which contributes to higher shipping costs [1] - A rising number of vessels are facing Western sanctions, further impacting shipping rates [1] - Shipping sources indicate that these factors will likely keep oil shipping rates high in the near term [1]