Record‑breaking activity in the VLCC market
According to the latest weekly briefing from Xclusiv shipbrokers, the first seven months of 2026 have witnessed a dramatic upswing in the tanker sale‑and‑purchase sector. A total of 365 vessels changed hands, a 53 % increase over the same period in 2025, when 239 ships were transacted.
VLCCs dominate the trade
Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCCs) accounted for 83 transactions – roughly 23 % of all tanker sales – up from just 31 units a year earlier. The surge is largely attributed to an aggressive buying programme by the Sinokor‑MSC alliance, which is reported to have secured between 60 and 70 VLCCs in a short span.
Broader market trends
Other tanker segments also recorded notable growth. The MR2 class posted 80 deals (22 % of total), Small Tankers 51 sales (14 %), Suezmaxes 46 (13 %) and Aframax/LR2s 41 (11 %). The Panamax/LR1 segment showed the most pronounced jump, rising from nine transactions in the previous year to 31 this year.
Age profile of vessels sold
The age distribution of transferred ships highlights a shift toward newer tonnage. Sales of vessels aged 0‑5 years rose from 19 to 36, while those in the 11‑15‑year bracket nearly doubled, moving from 48 to 90 deals. Nonetheless, older ships continue to dominate: units aged 16‑20 years represented 157 sales (about 43 % of total), and vessels older than 16 years together made up 207 transactions, or 57 % of all activity.
Buyer anonymity on the rise
Undisclosed purchasers accounted for 171 of the 365 deals – 47 % of the market – a sharp increase from the 70 anonymous buyers recorded in the comparable 2025 period. Among identified buyers, South Korean interests featured prominently, though the majority of the fleet expansion remains shrouded in confidentiality.
Implications for the maritime sector
The heightened appetite for VLCCs reflects shipowners’ confidence in sustained freight‑rate strength, driven by ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East. While environmental regulations continue to tighten, the resilience of demand for both modern and vintage crude carriers underscores the sector’s adaptability.
- 365 vessels sold Jan‑Jul 2026 (up 53 % YoY)
- VLCC/ULCC transactions: 83 (23 % of market)
- Sinokor‑MSC alliance likely acquired 60‑70 VLCCs
- Older tonnage (16+ years) still comprises 57 % of sales
- Undisclosed buyers now represent 47 % of purchases
As the market adjusts to these dynamics, stakeholders will be watching closely for further fleet realignments and the impact of regulatory developments on future acquisition strategies.