Morgan Stanley released a research report stating that the market generally views this year as the peak of the upcycle for the tanker market, but due to delays in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the bank believes performance next year may outperform this year. The report noted that continued declines in global oil inventories leading to restocking demand, China's removal of fuel export restrictions boosting seaborne import demand, and geopolitical effects arising from disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz all support spot and time-charter freight rates remaining elevated.

M Stanley expects the tanker market to remain undersupplied next year. The bank raised its 2027 and 2028 EPS forecasts for COSCO SHIP ENGY (01138.HK) -0.070 (-0.473%) Short selling $14.00M; Ratio 7.808% by 40% and 27%, respectively, and also lifted EPS forecasts for MERCHANTS SHIPPING (601872.SH) 0.000 (0.000%) by 41% and 35%, respectively, while maintaining TP at HKD26 and RMB25.1 respectively. However, due to changes in its exchange rate forecasts, the bank lowered the A-share TP for COSCO SHIPPING ENERGY (600026.SH) +0.090 (+0.508%) from RMB31.6 to RMB30.4. (sl/da)(HK stocks quote is delayed for at least 15 mins.Short Selling Data as at 2026-08-17 16:25.) (A Shares quote is delayed for at least 15 mins.)