Seatrade Maritime News: VLCC deals hit $100,000, tanker owners upbeat on Q4

September 14, 2025 The sharp rise in rates follows several weeks of firmer deals. OPEC’s latest Monthly Oil Market Report released last week indicated Suezmax rates up by more than a third during August with VLCCs about 20% higher on Middle East trades. Aframax owners also benefited on some key routes. Rising OPEC quotas with more increases expected from October is a also a boost, and tightening sanctions cited by New York-based broker Poten & Partners could be another positive. The broker also noted a tightening on the treatment of Russia’s frozen assets. The US would like to see the creation of a legal pathway for the seizing of immobilised Russian sovereign assets, with proceeds directed to support Ukraine’s defences.

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