VLCC Orderbook Poses Challenge for Earnings Outlook

VLCC sector earnings continue to languish as recent rate movements broke through previously estimated seasonal support levels. TD1 spot rates have fallen into the teens, while other Baltic VLCC routes have also dropped precipitously in the new year. Furthermore, time charter rates are well below our assessment of the vessel’s breakeven level of approximately $28,700, despite the fact that newbuild prices have fallen to $90MM. Download here