Red Lights Flashing for Car Carriers in 2026/27

Author: Dan Nash, Associate Director, Valuation & Analytics, Veson Nautical

Potential USTR port fees of c.$1 mil per voyage for non-US built car carriers entering the US targeting c.95% of the global fleet from mid-October – combined with this week’s signals from Washington suggesting a sooner-than-expected reopening of the Red Sea, would deal a heavy blow to car carrier demand. Together, these factors comfortably support a scenario of negative car-mile growth through 2026 and 2027.

By contrast, supply growth is expected to be in positive double-digit territory over the same period, suggesting an accelerated correction in both time charter rates and asset values, with levels likely reverting towards long-term historical averages. A major scrapping phase – reminiscent of 2009 – is likely to follow, as history often rhymes. Red lights have started flashing in this sector, but for now, the global economy remains at amber.

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