high|Freight Rates24 Feb 2026, 05:31 UTC

VLCC Charter Rates Cross $100k/Day as DHT Secures One-Year Deal Amid Market Surge

DHT has fixed a one-year VLCC charter above $100,000/day, with rates jumping $15,000 within a single week — a sharp signal of tightening crude tanker capacity. Logistics operators and oil traders should expect elevated spot rates on Persian Gulf and key crude export corridors, with knock-on effects on voyage costs to Asian and European refiners. Shippers with open tanker requirements should act quickly to lock in tonnage before further escalation.

Rate Direction

Rates up +18.00%

Time Horizon

immediate

Confidence

72%

Routes Affected

Strait of Hormuz / Persian Gulf / Indian Ocean / Suez Canal / Cape of Good Hope

Ports / Terminals

Jebel Ali / Bandar Abbas / Fujairah / Ras Tanura

Carriers

DHT

Source

https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/tankers/dht-crosses-100k-per-day-with-latest-one-year-vlcc-charter

published 24 Feb 2026, 05:31 UTC

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