energy · April 28, 2026
Middle East Tensions Reshape Global Shipping: VLCC Orders Surge, Bunker Demand Shifts West
Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are driving a significant reshaping of global maritime markets, with very large crude carrier orders surging 21-fold in Q1 and bunker demand shifting to West Africa. Chinese and Korean shipbuilders are capitalizing on the surge in orders driven by energy security concerns.