Maritime research and consulting services Drewry has revealed its analysis for the tanker market in 2026, with the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Russia, and Suez Canal as major factors.
According to Rajesh Verma, Drewry’s deputy director of tanker shipping research, uncertainties for factors affecting the tanker market are expected in 2026.
Verma suggested that the production of OPEC, inconsistent exports of oil from Russia, as well as a safe Suez Canal, will play major roles in analysing the tanker market next year.
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Three factors for tanker market outlined
Meanwhile, Seatrade Maritime News reported that Drewry laid out three possible scenarios.
Drewry said that the first scenario is that OPEC keeps the levels of production for December, as well as having an oversupplied market, full storage, and tankers get to store crude oil.
Second, a rise in renting tankers will lessen available vessels, with rates eventually increasing, as a result from the resumption of OPEC production and huge oversupply.
Third, oil prices will soften and rates of tankers will be weak, as OPEC puts the market back to balance.
According to Drewry’s data, tanker deliveries have increased by almost three-fold this year, in comparison with 2023 and 2024 records.
It was also predicted to increase in 2026, to 300 tankers, from 2025’s 250 tankers.
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