Market vagaries may still buffet merging tanker heavyweights
Frontline-Euronav deal will create one of the world’s largest tanker fleets, but price-setting power may remain outside the combination’s reach
The merger of New York-listed shipowners Euronav and Frontline will create one of the world’s largest privately-owned tanker fleets and the biggest in the very large crude carrier (VLCC) and Suezmax sectors. Shareholders from both companies have approved the deal, which will combine the shipowners under the name Frontline. Euronav and Frontline’s shareholders will own around 59pc and 41pc respectively of the new company, which will have a market cap of c.$4.2bn. The merger “would establish a market leader” in the tanker sector, says Frontline CEO John Fredriksen, as well as bring “significant synergies... and increase fleet utilisation”. The combined fleet will comprise 67 VLCCs, two of the
Also in this section
18 November 2025
The oil powerhouse will not just join the top five crude exporters in the coming years, it may be a model for how petrostates balance growth, policy and sustainability
18 November 2025
In the second of this two-part series, we look at Shell’s refocusing on returns and the speculation surrounding a potential takeover of BP
18 November 2025
For the first time in its illustrious history, the WPC Energy Congress will convene in Saudi Arabia, bringing together leaders, innovators, and changemakers to chart “Pathways to an Energy Future for All.”
18 November 2025
Vicki Hollub, president and CEO of Occidental, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Dewhurst Award, the highest honour bestowed by WPC Energy. The Dewhurst Award celebrates exceptional leadership, groundbreaking innovation and a lifetime of significant achievements in sup-port of the development and advancement of the energy industry.






