Clarkson H1 2026 market review shows ClarkSea Index up 61% with shipping at ‘frontline’ of geopolitics

Written By Diptesh Chohan

First half 2026 data points for the international shipping industry have been released by Clarksons Research. Reviewing the data, Steve Gordon, Managing Director of Clarksons Research commented that the Strait of Hormuz closure continued a theme of shipping being at the “frontline” of geo-politics.

Highlights of the First Half Shipping Market Review included:

Strong charter markets saw the ClarkSea Index up 61% y-o-y at $38,717/day (+31% on 2H 2025).

This was alongside very active S&P and newbuild markets with >150 VLCCs ordered, up 30% on full-year 2025 figures.

Shipyard output was up 14% y-o-y with Chinese shipbuilding capacity growing

Finally, green transition consensus stalled amid continued regulatory uncertainty.

Diptesh Chohan
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