Gulf‑to‑Caribbean freight economics noted
A freight trader flagged compelling US Gulf Coast–to‑Caribbean shipping economics amid changing VLCC supply dynamics, pointing to large fixtures such as Caribbean Glory’s $24.0m China discharge as context for market moves. Those macro fixtures can reshape capacity signals and spot rates that filter down to regional LCL and FCL pricing. (x.com)
Caribbean Glory is a 2017‑built VLCC listed at about 301,528 dwt and 336 metres length overall. (maritimeoptima.com) Recent eastbound fixtures have printed in the high single‑digit to double‑digit millions: US Gulf Coast lump‑sum VLCC bookings above $17.0m were reported, and Suezmaxes fixing USG→China were last quoted at about $18.0m with brokers signalling the next Suezmax prints could clear $20.0m. (shipuniverse.com) Market indices spiked into unprecedented territory in early March, with Baltic/TD3C and other assessments showing VLCC daily earnings in the hundreds of thousands (Baltic MEG→China assessed at ~$423,736/day and global averages near $280,941/day). (lloydslist.com) Analysts attribute the freight jump to a mix of fleet moves and supply reshaping—private acquisitions and owners withdrawing an estimated 25–30 mid‑age VLCCs from the spot pool and vessels ballasting away from the Persian Gulf tightened prompt supply and raised spot volatility. (vortexa.com) Those long‑haul, high‑value fixtures coincided with sharp bunker pressure—Singapore VLSFO trading above ~$1,100/tonne—and major carriers announcing emergency fuel/bunker surcharges (for example Maersk’s emergency bunker surcharge of $200 per 20ft and $400 per 40ft on some long‑haul headhaul routes). (maritime-executive.com) Regional transmission is visible: carriers and forwarders have already floated higher bunker surcharges to Guyana (examples reported at $450–$1,440 extra per container), and USG‑Caribbean short‑haul availability has tightened as Atlantic basin tonnage was reallocated to long‑haul Asia prints. (ignitenews.com)
