MR Freight Divergence: A Market Poised for Rebalancing

AI Summary

Middle-range tanker earnings in Pacific-origin trades have maintained a substantial premium over Atlantic routes during 2026, while regional tonne-mile demand shifted after disruptions in the Middle East Gulf. The resulting vessel movements and changing trade patterns may be setting the market up for freight-rate rebalancing.

MR demand shifts back towards regional trading Pacific origin MR earnings have maintained a substantial premium over Atlantic routes throughout 2026, while regional tonne mile demand has shifted considerably since April as trade patterns adjusted to disruptions in the Middle East Gulf. Following the disruption, MR vessels ballasted from the Pacific into the Atlantic in ...