The analytical firm Kpler stated that Washington's supposed plans to weaken sanctions against shadow fleet tankers may have only a minor impact on record freight rates.
According to Kpler's message on the social network X, out of approximately 160 very large crude carriers (VLCCs) under sanctions by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), only 24 vessels could potentially return to mainstream trade after considering age and ownership restrictions.
Kpler noted that the rise in freight costs in the Persian Gulf is driven more by military risk than by mere vessel availability. Thus, according to the firm, easing sanctions may bring limited commercial benefit while weakening geopolitical influence.