13 November 2026

Iran Claims Four Tankers Hit as Gulf Shipping Attacks Escalate

Iran's military claimed on 12 November that four oil tankers had been hit by explosions in the Strait of Hormuz after entering areas it considers restricted. Reuters could not independently verify the claims.

Separately, the Liberia-flagged Dominica Prosperity was struck by an unidentified projectile off Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, on 11 November, causing an engine-room fire. All 22 crew members were safely evacuated. Earlier attacks included a strike on the VLCC Fujairah Energy that injured four seafarers.

Meanwhile, Oman is managing an unidentified tanker grounded off Al Qibliyah Island and monitoring potential pollution. Authorities have not established whether the grounding was connected to an attack.

VLCC Spot Rates Fall 31% as Vitol and Unipec Fix Tankers at Two-Month Lows

Very large crude carrier (VLCC) spot earnings have fallen sharply after a period of exceptional strength, with average rates declining 31% over the past week, according to TradeWinds.

Recent fixtures involving commodity trader Vitol and China's Unipec were concluded at their lowest levels in approximately two months, signalling a correction in the market.

The decline comes despite continuing security risks in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. Some market participants nevertheless expect a rebound, highlighting continued uncertainty over tanker availability and freight-rate direction.

UK Sanctions US$900 Million LNG Carrier Quartet Linked to Russia

The United Kingdom has targeted four ice-class LNG carriers reportedly worth approximately US$900 million in its latest sanctions against Russian energy shipping.

According to TradeWinds, Novatek's Asian operations acquired the vessels from Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines in September. The wider sanctions package also covers other LNG-related vessels, including the Koryak FSU floating storage unit.

The restrictions target shipping services and commercial operations involving designated vessels, adding further compliance challenges for companies transporting Russian LNG to international markets.

Golar LNG's Fourth FLNG Conversion Vessel Arrives at Chinese Shipyard

Golar LNG's newly acquired LNG carrier Grace Dahlia has arrived at CIMC Raffles' shipyard in Yantai, China, for conversion into the company's fourth floating LNG production facility.

The conversion project is valued at approximately US$2.5 billion. The 2013-built vessel, acquired from Japan's NYK Line, has an LNG storage capacity of 177,427 cubic metres.

It will undergo conversion alongside Golar's FLNG Esperanza, already under construction at the same facility. Golar previously indicated that the fourth FLNG unit was scheduled for redelivery in 2029.

Seanergy Expands Fleet Investment Programme to US$855 Million

Greek dry bulk owner Seanergy Maritime has agreed to acquire four additional vessels for approximately US$264 million, increasing its overall fleet investment programme to US$855 million.

The latest acquisitions include two secondhand Japanese-built bulk carriers, a 210,000 dwt Newcastlemax newbuilding at China's Hengli Shipbuilding and a 181,000 dwt Capesize newbuilding in Japan.

The expanded programme covers 12 vessels, representing approximately 2.3 million dwt of additional carrying capacity. The Hengli-built Newcastlemax is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2029.

Teekay Tankers Orders Four Newbuildings in China and South Korea

Teekay Tankers has ordered two Aframax/LR2 tankers at an unnamed Chinese shipyard and two Suezmaxes in South Korea, with all four vessels scheduled for delivery in 2030.

The South Korean contracts include options for two additional Suezmaxes. The latest orders increase Teekay's firm newbuilding programme to six ships, representing total commitments of approximately US$525.9 million.

The company is simultaneously renewing its existing fleet through vessel acquisitions and disposals. Shipyard identities and individual construction prices have not been disclosed.

Seapeak Secures US$489 Million Sale-and-Leaseback Financing for LNG Duo

LNG shipping company Seapeak has arranged approximately US$488.5 million in sale-and-leaseback financing for two 174,000-cubic-metre LNG carriers under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea.

The vessels, ordered in December 2025, are scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2028.

Under the financing arrangements disclosed in Seapeak's latest regulatory filing, both ships will be sold to a third-party lessor upon completion and chartered back under 15-year bareboat contracts. The company has also arranged up to US$390.8 million in construction bridge financing.

Thenamaris Returns to LNG Newbuilding Market with Two Carriers

Greek shipowner Thenamaris has been linked to its first LNG carrier newbuilding investment in eight years, according to TradeWinds.

The company's fleet information confirms two 174,000-cubic-metre LNG carriers under construction at South Korea's HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, both scheduled for delivery in 2029.

The vessels will feature dual-fuel propulsion systems. Thenamaris is also coordinating a wider newbuilding programme involving tankers, ammonia carriers and containerships at shipyards in China and South Korea, reflecting continued investment across multiple shipping segments.