Tanker Market: Uncertainty and Rate Softening in International Shipping News 25/05/2026 Clean LR2 The TC1 75kt MEG/Japan index softened a little this week, dropping 16 points to WS530. A voyage west also saw the TC20 90kt MEG/UK-Continent index dip by $346,000 to $10.38 million. The TC15 80kt Mediterranean/East index came down a further $770,000 this week to $7.53 million with the corresponding TCE dropping to $58,000/day on Baltic description round trip. LR1 The TC5 55kt MEG/Japan index was also assessed 30 points lower this week to WS570. A run west on TC8 65kt MEG/UK-Continent by comparison remained relatively flat at the $8.47 million mark (-$14,000). MR The TC17 35kt MEG/East Africa index held flat this week around the WS725-730 level continuing to generate $89,500/day on Baltic description round trip TCE. On the UK-Continent, MR freight levels were challenged downward again this week. The TC2 37kt ARA/US-Atlantic Coast index was assessed 30 points lower than last week at WS177, with the Baltic TCE for the round trip now at $9,000/day (down 41% from last week). In the US Gulf, MR freight levels appeared to have reached a floor this week. The TC14 38kt US Gulf/UK-Continent run consistently published around the WS155 level with the Baltic round trip TCE for the run now at $6,900/day. The Caribbean voyage on TC21, 38kt US-Gulf/Caribbean also levelled off at a touch over the $500,000 mark and currently sits at $510,000 with the corresponding TCE holding at $4,200/day on Baltic description. The MR Atlantic Triangulation Basket TCE went from $24,565/day to $21,048/day. Handymax In the Mediterranean, Handymax rates improved incrementally this week with the TC6, 30kt Cross-Mediterranean index marked 14 points up to WS344, translating to $59,200/day on Baltic TCE round trip. The TC23 30kt Cross UK-Continent didn’t budge this week from its current WS312 level which generates $46,900/day on Baltic TCE round trip. VLCC The continuing uncertainty due to the ongoing Middle E