London, UK | January 27, 2026 – In a move that signals a paradigm shift for one of the most storied names in crude transportation, Tankers International (TI) has officially transcended its role as a VLCC-only specialist. recently the company announced its expansion into the Suezmax market, backed by a strategic takeover that sees International Seaways assume sole ownership of the pooling giant.
The dual announcement marks the end of an era for the 26-year-old partnership and the beginning of a new, multi-asset chapter designed to navigate an increasingly fragmented and volatile global energy landscape.
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A Strategic Pivot: “Agility is the New Stability”
For over a quarter-century, Tankers International has been synonymous with the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC). However, the launch of a dedicated Suezmax pool reflects a calculated response to a market where trade routes are shifting and charterers are demanding more modular transportation solutions.
By integrating International Seaways’ spot-trading Suezmaxes into the TI platform, the pool now offers a “one-stop shop” for crude movement. This allows for:
- Enhanced Optionality: Accessing draft-restricted ports and regional trade routes that are inaccessible to the larger VLCCs.
- Data Dominance: Leveraging a broader dataset across two critical vessel classes to improve market intelligence and fixture timing.
- Operational Synergy: Using the same “Pool Pointing” transparency and management expertise that made TI a leader in the 300,000-dwt segment.
“While VLCCs will remain a cornerstone of what we do, we recognised that there is an overarching need for greater agility and flexibility amid a rapidly changing global marketplace. We believe that agility is the new stability. This is something that we are excited about, the expansion means we will have access to more data and our Pool members benefit from those additional insights,” said Charlie Grey, CEO of Tankers International.
“As the market continues to evolve, the company’s pooling model, with Tankers International’s team managing all operations and each Pool member granted an equal vote, will remain critical in navigating complex trade routes, meeting charterers’ transportation needs and delivering competitive returns.”
The Seaways Takeover: Consolidating Power
The expansion coincides with International Seaways acquiring the remaining stakes in Tankers International, moving from a founding partner to sole owner. This consolidation is a significant milestone for Seaways CEO Lois K. Zabrocky, who has overseen a period of aggressive fleet optimization and growth.
“We’re excited about Tankers International’s expansion into the Suezmax sector, which we believe creates highly attractive opportunities going forward. Our relationship dates back more than 25 years, and the success we’ve achieved together with our co-founding partners has created a strong, well-positioned entity with a clear strategy for the future. As we take full ownership, we recognise the legacy of that long-standing partnership and are enthusiastic about the next phase of growth.,” Zabrocky commented.
The move effectively turns Tankers International into the dedicated commercial engine for Seaways’ spot market ambitions while maintaining TI’s independence as a third-party pool manager for other owners.
The Suezmax Factor in 2026
The timing of the launch is critical. As 2026 begins, Suezmax rates have remained resilient even as VLCC rates have seen seasonal cooling. With OPEC+ production shifts and rising exports from the Atlantic Basin, the mid-sized tankers (typically 120,000–160,000 dwt) have become vital “swing” assets.
By managing both sizes, Tankers International can now offer charterers a seamless transition between vessel classes as arbitrage windows open and close, maximizing the Time Charter Equivalent (TCE) for its pool members.
A Future-Proofed Pooling Model
Despite the shift in scale, the core TI philosophy remains unchanged. The pool continues to operate on:
- Transparency: A simple, all-inclusive management fee with no hidden commissions.
- Equity: A fair revenue-sharing system based on technical performance and vessel capability.
- Innovation: Continued investment in carbon offsetting and high-fidelity reporting to meet 2026’s stringent environmental benchmarks.
As the industry watches this “VLCC titan” evolve, the message is clear: in a world of geopolitical shifts and energy transition, scale alone is no longer enough, integration and flexibility are the new currency of the high seas.
Tankers International in Brief – Strength. Integrity. Performance.
Founded in 2000, Tankers International is the world’s premier commercial shipping pool, renowned for pioneering the pooling model in the Large Crude Carrier segments. Following its landmark expansion in January 2026, the company now operates dedicated pools for both Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and Suezmax vessels, providing a comprehensive, multi-asset transportation solution for the global energy market.
Now a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Seaways (NYSE: INSW), Tankers International remains a relationship-driven organization that provides shipowners with a transparent, cost-effective platform to maximize earnings through economies of scale and unparalleled cargo access. For charterers, the platform offers a diverse and modern fleet characterized by high operational standards, safety, and flexibility.
Key Pillars of the TI Model:
- Scale & Intelligence: Leveraging one of the industry’s largest proprietary datasets to drive data-led, human-refined chartering decisions.
- Transparency: Operating with a simple, all-inclusive management fee and a fair “Pool Pointing” system that ensures revenue is shared equitably among partners.
- Innovation: A leader in maritime decarbonization, TI integrates the latest in carbon offsetting and voyage optimization to meet evolving global regulations.
- Global Presence: With a dedicated team operating 24/7 out of commercial hubs in London, New York, and Singapore, Tankers International acts as a seamless extension of its partners’ chartering departments.
Source: Tankers International