CMA Shipping Conference - Day 3| Tankers AgendaThursday, 12 March 2026

The VLCC market is positioned for continued strength in 2026, with Clarksons Securities projecting average rates around $63,000 per day, and potential spikes to $200,000 per day if floating storage demand increases, whilst 33 new VLCC deliveries scheduled for 2026.

Trade pattern shifts resulting from sanctions enforcement are creating persistent routing inefficiencies that boost ton-mile demand, while seasonal factors like winter heating patterns add cyclical support to rate variations. These demand-side factors, combined with continued geopolitical tensions affecting global energy flows, are expected to provide a supportive backdrop for tanker markets despite the anticipated supply growth challenges in 2026.

Tanker demand fundamentals remain supported by moderate OPEC+ production cuts, ongoing geopolitical disruptions, and trade pattern shifts from sanctions enforcement that create routing inefficiencies and boost ton-mile demand. Red Sea diversions continue adding distance to voyages despite route inefficiencies, while US crude export growth supports transatlantic employment and Asian import patterns drive Pacific basin utilization, with winter heating demand providing seasonal rate support. However, significant risks loom from accelerating newbuild deliveries particularly in product tankers, shadow fleet uncertainties complicating supply calculations, and geopolitical variables including evolving sanctions enforcement and potential conflict resolutions that could normalize trade patterns, while long-term energy transition policies add uncertainty to future oil demand trajectories and fleet renewal decisions as aging vessels face retirement.

It follows that the 2026 tanker market outlook presents a more nuanced picture than 2025's exceptional performance, and in this session, we ask our panel to unpack this tamer market and give us their projections for the short and medium term.

In this session we address 5 key considerations which will determine operational success as the tanker market navigates supply growth pressures while adapting to persistent geopolitical disruptions and evolving regulatory requirements.

1. Fleet Oversupply Management

2. Red Sea Route Diversions & Trade Pattern Adaptation

3. Sanctions Compliance & Shadow Fleet Competition

4. Environmental Regulation Implementation

5. Crew Management & Port Congestion

The tanker segment is experiencing transformative technological advancement in areas such as: digital fleet management utilizing IoT sensors and AI-driven predictive analytics; fuel integration through dual-fuel engines capable; autonomous navigation systems and remote operations enhancing safety while enabling shore-based oversight of multiple vessels; blockchain-based documentation and smart contracts; and advanced hull technologies including nanotechnology-based antifouling coatings and smart monitoring systems. These innovations collectively enhance operational efficiency, environmental performance, and safety standards while positioning tanker operators for future regulatory compliance and market competitiveness in an increasingly digitized and environmentally conscious maritime industry.

In this session we explore innovation and technology for Tankers and the value they bring to operators who stay ahead of the tech curb.

In this session, leading tanker brokers and charterers navigate the complexities of today's volatile market landscape. This interactive forum will examine critical operational challenges including Red Sea route diversions impacting voyage economics, fleet oversupply pressures from newbuild deliveries, and evolving sanctions compliance requirements affecting counterparty risk. Participants will discuss environmental regulation impacts on vessel selection criteria, digital transformation in chartering platforms, and strategies for optimizing cargo positioning amid geopolitical uncertainties. Through candid panel discussions and audience Q&A, industry professionals will share insights on rate forecasting, risk management, and emerging market opportunities.

This critical session examines operational safety standards across tanker and offshore operations, with particular focus on OCIMF (Oil Companies International Marine Forum) guidelines and best practices. Industry experts will discuss the latest SIRE 2.0 inspection protocols, dynamic positioning system safety requirements for shuttle tankers, and enhanced vetting procedures for offshore support vessels. Key topics include human element considerations, cybersecurity threats to vessel operations, emergency response coordination between tankers and offshore installations, and the evolving regulatory landscape following recent maritime incidents. Essential for fleet operators, charterers, and safety professionals committed to maintaining the highest operational standards while managing complex offshore-tanker interface operations in challenging marine environments.