Three drone strikes on vessels remind us the fighting is still raging

Efforts to strengthen compliance processes at the flag state level are welcomed, although some are sceptical about the uptake among certain registries

Analysts speaking at the Breakwave Day forum on Thursday predicted continued strength in the VLCC market next year, even after spot rates fall back from this quarter’s stratospheric highs

Underwriters ‘fear worst’ if Russia retaliates for drone strikes

The Turkish manager of Mersin, which was hit by explosions off the Senegal coast a few weeks after loading in Russia, is ceasing its Russia-related voyages

Ukrainian foreign ministry accused Russia of staging the incident on Midvolga-2

The uncertain prospect of a peace deal in Ukraine has sent tanker analysts scrambling to reassess the fate of the shadow fleet and what impact lifting Russian sanctions might have on the market for 2026. The result is more underwhelming than many would have hoped for

Shipping thrives amid geopolitical chaos. There is rising sentiment — which a cynic would say is too optimistic — that the world will become more peaceful and shipping inefficiencies will be reduced next year

Black Sea war risk rates rise after drone strikes on fears of Russian backlash

Turkish authorities said messages to all parties calling for the attacks on shipping to cease were communicated ‘very clearly’