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Current Intelligence · October 16 · 21 min

Atlantic Crude Freight: Why the Pressure Is Spreading

The freight squeeze has crossed the Atlantic. Suezmaxes led the latest move in crude tanker earnings, and Aframaxes are gaining strength as charterers split cargoes and compete for a Western fleet that has not been adequately replenished. In Episode 5 of Current Intelligence, Maria Bertzeletou is joined by George Sakellariou, Freight Analyst at Signal Maritime. They follow the pressure from West Africa to the US Gulf and the Caribbean, examining why more oil moving does not necessarily mean more ships are available. The conversation covers the shrinking Western fleet, growing Aframax strength, Venezuela’s changing destination mix, US export constraints, India’s shift towards buying Gulf crude FOB, China’s cautious demand outlook and the signals that could change the current firm Atlantic view. Data reflects an end September 2026 assessment, with dated observations through 4 and 5 October 2026. Market commentary only.

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The freight squeeze has crossed the Atlantic. Suezmaxes led the latest move in crude tanker earnings, and Aframaxes are gaining strength as charterers split cargoes and compete for a Western fleet that has not been adequately replenished.

In Episode 5 of Current Intelligence, Maria Bertzeletou is joined by George Sakellariou, Freight Analyst at Signal Maritime. They follow the pressure from West Africa to the US Gulf and the Caribbean, examining why more oil moving does not necessarily mean more ships are available.

The conversation covers the shrinking Western fleet, growing Aframax strength, Venezuela’s changing destination mix, US export constraints, India’s shift towards buying Gulf crude FOB, China’s cautious demand outlook and the signals that could change the current firm Atlantic view.

Data reflects an end September 2026 assessment, with dated observations through 4 and 5 October 2026. Market commentary only.

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