Greek fleet drives strong first‑half 2026 global shipping market

The first half of 2026 saw the international shipping industry maintain high profitability despite geopolitical tensions, elevated fuel costs and war‑risk premiums. Major shipping groups reshuffled routes, increasingly using the Cape of Good Hope, while longer voyages and higher insurance costs kept freight rates at lucrative levels. Demand for Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) remained robust as Asian imports of fuel oil grew and exports from the United States and the Middle East stayed strong. Available vessel capacity stayed limited, supporting price stability across tanker, dry‑bulk and containership segments.

Greek‑owned vessels continued to dominate energy transport, with the Greek fleet retaining a leading share of global tonnage and demonstrating flexibility in adapting to shifting market conditions. Profit margins stayed attractive across most of the fleet, and the sector now looks to central‑bank policy moves, global growth outlooks, new ship orders and investments in the energy transition for the second half of the year.