Global VLCC Spot Earnings Rise To $805,000/Day

Global VLCC spot earnings have surged to $805,000 per day, according to a recent report from Clarksons Research. The data and analytics arm of the Clarksons Group is tracking shipping activity and markets affected by the Middle East conflict. Energy shipping markets are experiencing unprecedented conditions, with crude tanker markets reaching fresh all-time highs.

VLCCs are averaging $805,000 per day globally, while freight rates now stand at $20-45 per barrel, with US-China rates reaching $37.5 per barrel. LPG freight with VLGCs has hit fresh all-time highs at $209,000 per day, supported by long-haul US to Asia volumes. This follows at least 10 ships of 1.0m GT damaged in the Middle East this week.

Despite some small-scale recent easing, strong levels of Middle Eastern crude continue to leave the Gulf region. Around 10 million barrels per day (15 million barrels per day across 2025) have reportedly crossed Hormuz, with around 80% of this being "shuttled" via STS in the Gulf of Oman. The total Middle Eastern crude flows stand at 16 million barrels per day, which is nearly 90% of "normal" levels.

LPG flows out of the Gulf are now at 50% of normal. Despite the recent recovery in flows, a cumulative 2 billion barrels of crude have not yet transited Hormuz, although mitigating factors like higher Atlantic supply and Yanbu exports have limited the "net" loss to around 1 billion barrels. There have also been 0.25 billion barrels of stock drawn since the conflict began.

Energy shipping markets are currently at unprecedented levels, with cargo volumes rising and additional vessels required due to waiting times for STS transfers. Long-haul Red Sea oil flows are boosting crude tanker demand by an estimated 13% today.