VLCC Rates Surge on Middle East-Asia Routes Amid Red Sea Diversions

Baltic Exchange / Cyprus Shipping News / The Signal Group · Jul 29, 2026 00:00

VLCC spot rates for the Middle East Gulf to China (TD3C) route have surged to WS386.78, translating to a daily round-trip TCE of $382,397. This significant increase is driven by persistent geopolitical risks in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz, leading to longer voyages and tighter vessel availability.