Shift in CPC Crude Exports Towards Suezmax Utilization
The 2025 outlook for crude oil exports from the CPC terminal at Novorossiysk indicates a decisive structural shift toward Suezmax utilization, with a marked decline in Aframax deployment. Data visualizations from Signal Ocean reveal that Q1 2025 recorded the highest quarterly volume of Suezmax loadings across the past four years, significantly surpassing figures for 2022 through 2024.
This evolving vessel preference appears driven by both logistical efficiency and shifting trade dynamics. The increase in Kazakhstani crude production, notably from Chevron’s Tengiz expansion project, has boosted throughput on the CPC pipeline. Larger Suezmax vessels offer a clear advantage in transporting bulk volumes, reducing per-barrel freight costs and optimizing port calls, especially as terminal infrastructure adapts to accommodate these larger tankers more regularly.
Another significant driver is the growing importance of long-haul destinations, especially in Asia. While Italy remains the top recipient (25%), countries such as India (8.1%) and China (5.7%) now represent a non-negligible share of CPC crude flows. These markets are more economically served by Suezmax vessels, which can undertake longer voyages with fewer transshipments and better fuel efficiency per ton-mile.
Notably, Suezmaxes now account for 63.4% of total CPC cargoes, up from previous years, while Aframax usage has fallen to 36.6%. The growing share of Suezmaxes suggests a strategic reallocation of tanker capacity, supported by destination shifts and changes in commercial preferences. European destinations—Italy, the Netherlands, and France—remain key markets, but the increasing share of Asian destinations underlines a broader eastward reorientation of CPC crude exports. Meanwhile, concerns over possible blending of CPC crude with Russian barrels, while not directly impacting vessel choice, highlight broader regional logistical and geopolitical considerations.
Although market sources hint at a possible temporary uptick in Aframax activity in June 2025, potentially tied to inventory draws or regional port constraints, the overarching trend favors Suezmax dominance. This shift also reflects a broader pattern of fleet optimization amid geopolitical complexity, with continued scrutiny over the composition and routing of CPC crude, particularly regarding concerns of Russian blending, adding another layer of strategic consideration.
In summary, the CPC terminal’s evolving export dynamics underscore the growing alignment of shipping strategy with global demand shifts, where Suezmax tankers are positioned as the preferred vector for scalable, cost-efficient crude flows from the Black Sea to increasingly distant markets.
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Albert Greenway
Environmental Scientist, Sustainability Expert
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Increased Use of Renewable Energy:
Shipping companies are embracing renewable energy sources to power onboard systems and reduce emissions during port operations. Solar panels and wind turbines are being installed on vessels to generate clean energy, reducing reliance on auxiliary engines, and cutting down emissions. Shore power facilities in ports allow ships to connect to the electrical grid, eliminating the need for onboard generators while docked.
Collaboration and Industry Partnerships:
Recognizing that addressing emissions requires collective action, shipping companies, governments, and organizations have formed partnerships and collaborations. These initiatives focus on research and development, sharing best practices, and promoting knowledge transfer. Joint projects aim to develop and deploy innovative technologies, improve infrastructure, and create a supportive regulatory framework to accelerate the industry's transition towards a greener future. The Zero Emission Shipping - Mission Innovation.
To pave the way for a greener future in shipping, the availability of alternative fuels plays a vital role in their widespread adoption. However, this availability is influenced by factors such as port infrastructure, local regulations, and government policies. As the demand for cleaner fuels in shipping rises and environmental regulations become more stringent, efforts are underway to improve the accessibility of these fuels through infrastructure development, collaborations, and investments in production facilities.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) infrastructure has seen significant growth in recent years, resulting in more LNG bunkering facilities and LNG-powered vessels. Nonetheless, the availability of LNG as a marine fuel can still vary depending on the region. To ensure consistent availability worldwide, there is a need for further development of LNG supply chains and infrastructure. For biofuels, their availability hinges on production capacity and the availability of feedstock. Although biofuels are being produced and utilized in various sectors, their availability as a marine fuel remains limited. Scaling up biofuel production and establishing robust supply chains are imperative to ensure wider availability within the shipping industry.Hydrogen, as a fuel for maritime applications, is still in the early stages of infrastructure development. While some hydrogen vessels have been tested or introduced in the first quarter of last year, the infrastructure required for hydrogen production and distribution needs further advancement.
Ammonia, as a marine fuel, currently faces limitations in availability. The production, storage, and handling infrastructure for ammonia need further development to support its widespread use in the shipping industry.Methanol, on the other hand, is already a commercially available fuel and has been used as a blend with conventional fuels in some ships. However, its availability as a standalone marine fuel can still be limited in certain regions. Bureau Veritas in October 2022 published a White Paper for the Alternative Fuels Outlook. This white paper provides a comprehensive overview of alternative fuels for the shipping industry, taking into account key factors such as technological maturity, availability, safety, emissions, and regulations.
Creating a sustainable world requires us to embark on a journey towards a zero emission future, where every step is a commitment to preserve our planet for future generations.
Albert Greenway
Environmental Scientist, Sustainability Expert
Increased Use of Renewable Energy:
Shipping companies are embracing renewable energy sources to power onboard systems and reduce emissions during port operations. Solar panels and wind turbines are being installed on vessels to generate clean energy, reducing reliance on auxiliary engines, and cutting down emissions. Shore power facilities in ports allow ships to connect to the electrical grid, eliminating the need for onboard generators while docked.
Collaboration and Industry Partnerships:
Recognizing that addressing emissions requires collective action, shipping companies, governments, and organizations have formed partnerships and collaborations. These initiatives focus on research and development, sharing best practices, and promoting knowledge transfer. Joint projects aim to develop and deploy innovative technologies, improve infrastructure, and create a supportive regulatory framework to accelerate the industry's transition towards a greener future. The Zero Emission Shipping - Mission Innovation.
To pave the way for a greener future in shipping, the availability of alternative fuels plays a vital role in their widespread adoption. However, this availability is influenced by factors such as port infrastructure, local regulations, and government policies. As the demand for cleaner fuels in shipping rises and environmental regulations become more stringent, efforts are underway to improve the accessibility of these fuels through infrastructure development, collaborations, and investments in production facilities.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) infrastructure has seen significant growth in recent years, resulting in more LNG bunkering facilities and LNG-powered vessels. Nonetheless, the availability of LNG as a marine fuel can still vary depending on the region. To ensure consistent availability worldwide, there is a need for further development of LNG supply chains and infrastructure. For biofuels, their availability hinges on production capacity and the availability of feedstock. Although biofuels are being produced and utilized in various sectors, their availability as a marine fuel remains limited. Scaling up biofuel production and establishing robust supply chains are imperative to ensure wider availability within the shipping industry.Hydrogen, as a fuel for maritime applications, is still in the early stages of infrastructure development. While some hydrogen vessels have been tested or introduced in the first quarter of last year, the infrastructure required for hydrogen production and distribution needs further advancement.
Ammonia, as a marine fuel, currently faces limitations in availability. The production, storage, and handling infrastructure for ammonia need further development to support its widespread use in the shipping industry.Methanol, on the other hand, is already a commercially available fuel and has been used as a blend with conventional fuels in some ships. However, its availability as a standalone marine fuel can still be limited in certain regions. Bureau Veritas in October 2022 published a White Paper for the Alternative Fuels Outlook. This white paper provides a comprehensive overview of alternative fuels for the shipping industry, taking into account key factors such as technological maturity, availability, safety, emissions, and regulations.
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