The global crude tanker order book reached a record high of 630 vessels at the end of the first half of 2026, according to data from maritime analytics firm Signal Ocean.
The surge in newbuilding orders marks a significant expansion in fleet capacity, with Greek shipping companies emerging as the primary drivers of the demand.
93 million barrels per day in June, with Russian supplies accounting for more than half of the total volume.
The record order book reflects a strategic shift among major shipping groups, who are investing heavily in new tonnage despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties in key trade corridors.
Greek owners, who have historically been dominant players in the tanker sector, are leading the charge, securing slots at major shipyards to modernize their fleets and capitalize on long-term freight rate expectations.
This expansion comes against a backdrop of evolving global oil trade patterns.
Recent data indicates that India’s crude oil imports surged to an all-time high of 4.93 million barrels per day in June, with Russian supplies accounting for more than half of the total volume.