Supertanker values invert: old ships outprice new builds as freight boom drives delivery premium

Soaring freight rates have pushed prices for older VLCCs above newbuilds, as buyers pay a premium for immediate delivery. This reflects an acute tanker supply shortage, likely driven by sanctions-driven trade rerouting and fleet constraints. The inversion signals sustained tightness in crude shipping capacity, with implications for oil logistics costs and tanker owners' earnings.