The ClarkSea Index, calculated by Clarkson's, has reached $64,569 per day, which is 27% higher than the previous record in December 2007. This significant increase is the result of unprecedented revenues in the tanker sector as well as strong conditions in other shipping markets.
Revenue Growth in the Tanker Market
Last week, the average revenue for VLCC tankers reached $643,000 per day, which is a 40% increase compared to the previous week. Suezmax tankers averaged $375,000, and Aframax tankers earned about $184,000 per day. This situation has arisen due to ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran and increased risks and uncertainties in the market.
Read more: Iranian tanker shipment on the sanctions path with a specified date
Strong Conditions in Other Shipping Sectors
In addition to the tanker market, other shipping sectors are also experiencing strong conditions. For example, the average revenue for dry bulk vessels has reached $24,233 per day, which is 63% higher than the ten-year average, as it approaches a stronger season. Additionally, freight rates between Asia and the East and West coasts of the United States have increased by over 320% since the end of February.
The revenue for VLGC tankers also reached $189,711 per day on Friday, which is a 23% increase compared to last week and close to the highest recorded levels. This situation indicates that the shipping market is heavily influenced by global developments.
As winter approaches, shipowners are raising rates while the list of positions in the United States is effectively empty until the end of October. This situation forces charterers to look ahead to secure vessels.
Moreover, the car carrier market is also benefiting from good revenues. The revenue of a PCTC vessel with a capacity of 6,500 CEU has reached $85,000 per day, which is a 30% increase compared to the last three months and significantly higher than the average of $49,375 in 2025. This increase is due to high exports of Chinese vehicles, which are attracting vessels faster than new capacity can be absorbed.
Read more: NGL 3100 feed sale contract signed in Dehloran · Italian company Augusta signed a contract for three new tankers in China
