42 vessels were ordered in October, which represents a decline on the month but is much higher than August's figure of 23. There were 27 deliveries, fewer than the 37 seen in September but not far below the YTD average.
Still, despite the unremarkable delivery numbers, 308 vessels have hit the water in 2026, already exceeding the 194 which were launched in 2025. What is more, crude vessel deliveries have doubled on the year with a few months remaining. As in September, six vessels were scrapped in October, which had not happened since May 2022.
Sustained high delivery numbers and relatively low levels of scrapping activity have led to the record levels of tanker growth which will take place through 2028, and the fleet has already grown by 4.3 per cent this year.